OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to analyse the changes in the number of practising nurses working in OECD countries in Europe.

METHODS: Data analysed were derived from the OECD Health Data database. European countries were categorised according to type of health care system: Bismarckian-like solidarity based health insurance system or Beveridge-like national health system. Years between 2000 and 2015 were analysed.

RESULTS: In 2000, the average number of nurses was 7.6/1,000 population in countries based on a Bismarckian, and 7.6/1,000 population in countries based on a Beveridge healthcare system. The difference was not significant (p= 0.975). In 2015, the average number of nurses was 9.7/1,000 population in countries based on a Bismarckian and 7.3/1,000 population in countries based on a Beveridge system. The difference was not significant (p= 0.280). Between 2000 and 2015, the average number of practising nurses per 1,000 population increased from 7.6 to 9.7 (+28 %) in countries with a Bismarckiansystem, while countries having a Beveridge health care system experienced a decrease from 7.6 to 7.3 (-3 %). During the same period, the average number of practising nurses per 1,000 population in all OECD countries increased from 7.4 to 8.8 (+19 %). The highest increase in the number of nurses per 1,000 population in countries using the Bismarckian model, was found in Switzerland (+72 %), and Luxembourg (+61 %), regarding countries built upon the Beveridge model the highest increase was found in Spain (+49 %) and the Greece (+17 %).

CONCLUSIONS: During the period between 2000 and 2015, countries having the Bismarckian system showed an increase in the number of practising nurses, while, countries employing the Beveridge healthcare system witnessed a decrease. The difference was not significant.