Healthcare reform is a term that is ever present in our practice settings and will not disappear any time soon. Review the article below and answer the following questions. Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2017). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. , (2), 40-46. . doi:10.1016/S2155-8256(17)30097 Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce in the United States
Introduction:
Healthcare reform has been a topic of discussion for many years, and its impact on the nursing workforce in the United States has become a prominent issue. This article examines four major challenges currently facing the nursing profession. The challenges outlined by Buerhaus, Skinner, Auerbach, and Staiger (2017) include the aging nursing workforce, the inadequate supply of nurses, the geographic maldistribution of nurses, and the increased demand for nursing services. Understanding these challenges and their implications is crucial for effective healthcare reform and the future of nursing.
Aging Nursing Workforce:
One of the main challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States is an aging workforce. According to Buerhaus et al. (2017), the mean age of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States has steadily increased over the past decade. This trend suggests that a significant proportion of the nursing workforce will soon reach retirement age. The anticipated retirement of experienced nurses poses a substantial threat to the overall capability of the nursing profession to meet the increasing healthcare demands of the population.
Inadequate Supply of Nurses:
The second challenge faced by the nursing workforce is an inadequate supply of nurses. Buerhaus et al. (2017) argue that despite an overall increase in the number of nurses, the supply does not align with the growing demand for healthcare services. Several factors contribute to this problem, including limited nursing education capacity, budget constraints on the expansion of nursing programs, and a lack of faculty to educate new nurses. The inadequate supply of nurses can result in increased workloads for existing nurses, compromised patient care, and decreased job satisfaction.
Geographic Maldistribution of Nurses:
Another challenge highlighted in the article is the geographic maldistribution of nurses. Buerhaus et al. (2017) point out that nursing shortages are not evenly distributed across the United States. Rural and underserved areas often experience a severe shortage of nurses, while urban centers have a greater supply of healthcare professionals. This disparity can lead to inequities in access to care and healthcare outcomes for individuals in rural and underserved communities. Addressing the geographic maldistribution of nurses requires targeted strategies such as incentive programs, loan forgiveness programs, and improved recruitment efforts in underserved areas.
Increased Demand for Nursing Services:
The final challenge facing the nursing workforce is the increased demand for nursing services. Buerhaus et al. (2017) note that as the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, the demand for healthcare services, including nursing care, is expected to grow significantly. This increased demand puts pressure on the already strained healthcare system and requires a larger nursing workforce with diverse skills and competencies. Adapting to this demand requires initiatives to promote nursing education, expand nursing roles and responsibilities, and implement strategies to retain nurses in the profession.
Conclusion:
The challenges outlined in the article highlight the complex and interconnected issues that confront the nursing workforce in the United States. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses healthcare reform, increased investment in nursing education, workforce planning and development, and improved recruitment and retention efforts. Failure to effectively address these challenges may result in adverse consequences for healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and the nursing profession as a whole. Healthcare reform should prioritize initiatives that address the aging nursing workforce, increase the supply of nurses to meet demand, ensure equitable distribution of nursing professionals, and proactively respond to the increased demand for nursing services. By addressing these challenges, healthcare reform can secure the future of nursing and enhance the delivery of quality patient care.