This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcome (CO). 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
Healthcare reform is a topic of constant discussion and debate in the United States. It is a complex issue with multiple challenges facing the nursing workforce in the country. In the article “Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States,” Buerhaus et al. (2017) highlight key issues that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the nursing workforce.
The first challenge identified is the shortage of registered nurses (RNs). The aging population, the increase in chronic diseases, and the retirement of experienced nurses all contribute to this shortage. Buerhaus et al. (2017) state that by 2030, the shortage of RNs is projected to reach 1 million. This shortage has significant implications for patient care, as a smaller nursing workforce means decreased access to healthcare services and potential compromised patient outcomes.
The second challenge is the maldistribution of nurses across different regions and healthcare settings. Buerhaus et al. (2017) note that rural areas and underserved communities often have difficulty attracting and retaining nurses. This disparity in distribution leads to limited access to healthcare in these areas, exacerbating existing healthcare disparities. Additionally, the distribution of nurses across different healthcare settings, such as hospitals versus primary care, can also impact patient care and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
The third challenge identified is the aging nursing workforce. Buerhaus et al. (2017) highlight that a significant proportion of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement age, leading to concerns about a loss of experienced nurses and potential knowledge gaps. This challenge is further compounded by the shortage of nursing faculty, which affects the capacity to train and educate new nurses to replace those retiring. The authors suggest that strategies to retain and engage older nurses, as well as increase the capacity for nursing education, are necessary to address this challenge.
The fourth challenge is the changing nature of healthcare delivery. Buerhaus et al. (2017) discuss the shift towards prevention-focused care, community-based care, and technology-enabled care. These changes require nurses to adapt their skills, knowledge, and practice to effectively address the needs of the population. The authors suggest that continuing professional development and education opportunities need to be provided to nurses to ensure they are prepared to respond to these changes in healthcare delivery.
In conclusion, the nursing workforce in the United States faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. These challenges include the shortage of nurses, the maldistribution of nurses across different regions and healthcare settings, the aging nursing workforce, and the changing nature of healthcare delivery. Addressing these challenges requires a multipronged approach that includes increasing the recruitment and retention of nurses, improving the distribution of nurses across different regions and healthcare settings, providing support and opportunities for older nurses to continue working, and preparing nurses for the changing landscape of healthcare delivery.
Reference:
Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2017). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Nurs Econ, 35(2), 40-46. doi:10.1016/S2155-8256(17)30097-2