Nurses are being encouraged to complete a workplace survey in a bid to address Australia’s nursing workforce shortage.

The Australian Nursing Federation is conducting an online survey to canvass opinion on employment issues facing nurses at work.

An ANF spokesperson said nurses are being asked to take part in the survey about attitudes to work and experiences in the workplace.

The results will be used to help counter-attack issues surrounding attracting and retaining nurses, which is impacting on the nation’s workforce shortfall.

"Nurses are encouraged to complete the survey as the results will assist in developing solutions to the increasing difficulties in attracting and retaining people in the nursing profession," the spokesperson said.

The survey asks a range of workforce questions including whether nurses are likely to leave the profession, working hours, whether nurses are employed in multiple jobs and whether workers are satisfied in their jobs.

Figures from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency show there are 331,376 registered nurses and midwives in Australia.

The survey comes as the Australian College of Midwives recently stated Australia was around 2000 midwives short, in line with a global shortfall estimated at 350,000 midwives.

The ANF survey is being conducted through Monash University’s Department of Management.

The results are expected later this year.

A recent online union survey of New Zealand nurses found more than 40 percent of young nurses were struggling with the emotional challenges of their job.