The Fiji Nurses Association says developed countries that poach Fiji's nurses should have to pay for their training in the first place.

The Association says that in the past three years Fiji has lost around 240 highly skilled nurses to countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Association general secretary Kuini Lutua says nurses leave partly due to low wages and poor working conditions at home, and the delay in education opportunities offered by the interim government.

Speaking to Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, she said Fiji will face a severe nursing shortage if the exodus continues.

Ms Latua says countries that recruit Fijian nurses should provide some funding for their education.

"The receiving countries are taking nurses or skilled workers away from the developing countries, (when) they have really not contributed to the training of those health professionals," she said.

"There has got to be some partnership, some give and take."

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