As part of the Nursing Action project, WHO/Europe is launching a series of Learning Labs to support shared learning, policy dialogue and collaboration on safe nurse staffing across participating countries.
The Learning Labs initiative kicked off on 23 September 2026 and will run until May 2027.
The Learning Labs build on findings from “Policies and approaches to promote safe nurse staffing: technical brief”, which maps policies and approaches across the 21 countries participating in Nursing Action. Developed through consultation with national focal points and social partners, the series will provide a platform for countries to explore key dimensions of safe nurse staffing in greater depth and exchange experiences on practical solutions.
The Learning Labs will provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among:
- governments and policy-makers
- nurse leaders and nursing professionals
- professional associations and regulatory bodies
- employers and trade unions
- education institutions and researchers
- international experts and partner organizations.
Together, participants will explore topics affecting the recruitment, retention and working conditions of nurses across the Region.
Creating a shared understanding for action
The Learning Labs are designed to strengthen understanding of the core enablers and dimensions of safe nurse staffing and support collective action across participating countries. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions and country exchanges, participants will have an opportunity to explore different approaches, learn from emerging practices and reflect on how policies can be adapted to national contexts.
Across 8 sessions, the Learning Labs will address a range of priority topics for strengthening and supporting the nursing workforce:
- Learning Lab 1. Nursing leadership networks;
- Learning Lab 2. Advanced practice nursing (APN);
- Learning Lab 3. Psychosocial risk, mental health and occupational safety and health;
- Learning Lab 4. Improving collective bargaining for nursing;
- Learning Lab 5. Eliminating violence in the workplace;
- Learning Lab 6. Monitoring and evaluation for safe nurse staffing;
- Learning Lab 7. Financing for safe nurse staffing; and
- Learning Lab 8. Regulation for safe nurse staffing.
Strengthening collaboration through Nursing Action
A core objective of the Learning Labs is to foster collaboration between the many stakeholders involved in strengthening the nursing workforce. By creating a forum for dialogue between governments, professional bodies, employers, regulators, education institutions and international partners, the series aims to support the development of shared solutions to common workforce challenges.
The sessions will provide opportunities for participants to share experiences, discuss policy options and learn from experts and peers across Europe, helping to strengthen action on recruitment, retention and workforce sustainability.
About Nursing Action
Funded by the European Commission through the EU4Health programme, Nursing Action supports countries in developing evidence-based solutions to strengthen the nursing workforce. Through policy dialogue, peer learning and technical support, the project aims to improve recruitment and retention, strengthen working conditions and increase the attractiveness of the nursing profession across Europe.