The are many challenges facing the healthcare industry, like implementing new technologies and managing fraudulent activity, but none of them compare to the shortage of nurses. There is currently a significantly low number of qualified nurses in the US, and it’s having a knock-on effect nationwide. Below, we take a look at the causes of the nurse shortage and discuss potential solutions.
Causes of the Nursing Shortage
America has seen nurse shortages in the past, dating back to the 1900s, but they’ve often resolved themselves relatively quickly. However, according to industry experts, the current shortage is expected to last until at least 2030. The shortage can’t be tied to one issue or event, but a series, which includes the following:
- An aging workforce. The average age of nurses in the US is around 50 years old, meaning retirees aren’t being replaced fast enough.
- Higher levels of stress. Caused by long hours, higher patient numbers, and reduced staffing.
- Limited new nurse supply. Fewer nurses mean fewer resources for education, so the supply is limited and caught in a vicious cycle.
- The Covid-19 Pandemic. Anxiety and stress bought on by the Covid-19 pandemic led to around 18% of nurses quitting.
Now that you better understand some of the reasons causing the nurse shortage crises, let’s take a look at potential solutions.
Improving Communication Between Administration and Staff
Effective communication is one of the most important elements in any industry, and it’s crucial to success. Therefore, allowing nurses to voice ideas and concerns in a supportive environment is essential. However, according to a Forbes article, there is a serious need within the industry to lift up the voices of healthcare professionals.
Actively Encouraging Professional Development
Providing opportunities to grow will help to motivate nurses and may lead to lower numbers leaving the industry. However, the problem often arises when trying to fit further education around busy schedules and life. Fortunately, there has been an emergence of fantastic online course providers; just take a look at these MSN to DNP programs online. Completing a course online offers flexibility, allowing studies to be carried out around work.
Travel Nurses
Travel nurses are skilled professionals that work across hospitals in struggling areas. Often, traveling nurses move between states to help relieve the pressure. With the shortage of new nurses, medical centers should begin utilizing travel nurses to pull them out of trouble and allow more time to source new full-time nurses.
Allow for Flexibility
Many nurses suffer from burnout, which is often caused by working too many hours and being given zero time for life. However, scientific research has proven that a healthy work/life balance is essential for maintaining positive mental health. This is something that the healthcare industry needs to address.
The nurse shortage in the US is having devastating consequences, both for healthcare professionals and patients. Solving many of these problems needs to be done in unison, as many of them can’t be solved while others exist. The first step is increasing the number of new nurses, and then wider issues can be addressed.
