Danish nurses who have been hired to work at the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />National University Hospital for the summer will receive up to 60 percent more pay than their Icelandic counterparts, according to Elsa B. Fridfinnsdóttir, Chairman of the Association of Icelandic Nurses. They will also enjoy special benefits not granted to Icelandic nurses, such as free airline tickets, free housing and weekly excursions. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
Danish nurses have been hired because hospitals here have been operating short staffed for some time. Many Icelandic nurses have gone on to other jobs over the past few years, citing overwork and low wages.
