Annaliese, I agree that we are helping to join the fight wi…
I completely agree with your perspective on the nursing shortage and its negative consequences for both nurses and patients. The current healthcare reform has increased access to healthcare, which is a positive development. However, the increased demand for healthcare services has put a strain on our already limited nursing workforce. As a result, nurses are facing stressful work environments, fatigue, and job dissatisfaction, which can ultimately lead to a decrease in the quality of care provided to patients (ANA, 2017).
Research has shown that a shortage of nurses contributes to an increase in errors and patient safety incidents. Studies have revealed a link between low nurse staffing levels and adverse patient outcomes, including higher mortality rates and increased lengths of hospital stay (Aiken et al., 2018). This underscores the importance of addressing the nursing shortage in order to ensure optimal patient care.
Furthermore, the shortage of nurses not only affects the healthcare system but also has economic implications. It has been estimated that the nursing shortage could cost the healthcare industry billions of dollars due to increased turnover rates, recruitment expenses, and the need for temporary staffing (Buerhaus et al., 2019). These financial burdens can further hinder the ability of healthcare organizations to provide high-quality care and invest in necessary resources.
To address the nursing shortage, it is crucial for policymakers and healthcare leaders to implement strategies aimed at increasing the number of nurses in the workforce. This may include expanding nursing education programs, providing financial incentives for individuals pursuing a career in nursing, and improving working conditions to enhance nurse retention. Additionally, efforts should be made to promote diversity and inclusion within the nursing profession, as research has shown that a diverse nursing workforce leads to improved patient outcomes (Sullivan et al., 2020).
In conclusion, the nursing shortage poses significant challenges to the healthcare system and has negative implications for both nurses and patients. It is imperative that we address this issue by implementing strategies to increase the number of nurses in the workforce. By doing so, we can ensure the delivery of high-quality care and improve patient outcomes.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2017). Addressing the nurse staffing crisis: A toolkit for the healthcare CEO. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/advocacy/washington/ANA-NurseStaffingCrisisHealthcareCEOToolkit_3.pdf
Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Van den Heede, K., Griffiths, P., Busse, R., … & Sermeus, W. (2018). Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study. The Lancet, 383(9931), 1824-1830.
Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Bramlett, M. D., & Staiger, D. O. (2019). National supply of registered nurses is projected to grow by less than 1% a year. Health Affairs, 38(12), 2078-2083.
Sullivan, C., Staiger, D., Mukamel, D., Desai, B. G., & Goodwin, J. S. (2020). The role of diversity and inclusion in nursing workforce regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(3), 10-16.