Nursing demo in Bern: Why many nurses have had enough
Rally for the full implementation of the nursing initiative in Bern
Date: November 22, 2026
Location: Bundesplatz, Bern
On 22 November 2026, an important rally will take place in Bern, where numerous nurses, associations and supporters will gather to send a strong signal to politicians. Their central concern: the full implementation of the care initiative. Three years after the clear popular yes, the implementation is perceived by many in the industry as insufficient, and patience is dwindling.
What the demonstrators are demanding
The Swiss Professional Association of Nursing Professionals criticises the fact that central elements of the nursing initiative have still not been implemented. The main demands include:
- Mandatory staffing ratios: Ensuring an appropriate ratio of nurses to patients to ensure the quality of care.
- Fair working conditions: Clear regulations that ensure a healthy working environment and reduce the burden on nursing staff.
- Sustainable improvements in everyday working life: Measures that make the nursing profession more attractive and improve working conditions in the long term.
Support from politics
Among the participants is GLP National Councillor and qualified nurse Patrick Hässig. He understands the growing impatience of many nurses, as around 200,000 people in Switzerland work in nursing and are pushing for the implementation of the clear vote of the population. Hässig emphasizes the urgency of the issue: The demands on nursing are increasing due to an aging population and complex clinical pictures, which puts additional pressure on the system.
The biggest challenges in nursing
Nurses are confronted with three central challenges:
- Staff shortage and lack of job keys: The shortage of qualified nurses is exacerbating the situation.
- High turnover and overload: The almost 30% increase in turnover between 2013 and 2023 leads to an overload of the remaining teams.
- Uncertain financing of important measures: Insufficient financing makes it difficult to implement necessary improvements.
Why inaction becomes more expensive in the long term
Slow political processes are often justified by financial reasons. However, many professionals are convinced that this wait-and-see leads to higher costs. Every departure of a nurse exacerbates the shortage, increases the burden on the teams and causes additional recruitment and training costs. Investments in good working conditions are therefore seen as a necessary measure to ensure the quality of care.
Effect of the rally
The rally is intended to send a clear signal: the nursing community is behind the referendum and expects it to be implemented in the near future. In addition, the event is intended to highlight the social and political importance of care. Positive surveys show that the population continues to support the concerns of the nursing staff, which gives the participants additional support.