It seems that the nursing shortage has been an ongoing issue for decades. I remember receiving a full one-year scholarship to attend nursing school my first year, only to have it revoked the second year when officials decided the nursing shortage was “over,” forcing me to take out student loans. This was frustrating, to say the least.
Even now, in my non-clinical role as a legal nurse, I observe that many nursing fields continue to experience staffing shortages (Moore, 2015). In hospitals, staffing decisions are often influenced by patient volume. Hospitals may hire fewer nurses to avoid having excess staff on a unit. If units have too many nurses, staff may be sent home without pay due to insufficient work.
During my son’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I witnessed firsthand the effects of these staffing challenges. One day, I walked past a high-risk antepartum unit to find it dimly lit and empty. Concerned, I inquired and was told the unit was temporarily closed due to a lack of patients. While it reopened shortly after, this highlighted how unit closures, even if temporary, are influenced by patient flow rather than consistent coverage.
Overworked nurses are another consequence of staffing shortages. Articles indicate that the problem may worsen as baby boomers retire and there aren’t enough new nurses to fill their positions (“Focus on Education,” 2010). Entrance exams and minimum educational requirements can make it difficult for prospective students to enter the profession. However, advancing education is essential, given the increasingly complex medical cases and family dynamics nurses face today.
To address the shortage, healthcare employers must take proactive steps. Hiring more staff can prevent current nurses from becoming overextended, improve patient care, and reduce burnout. Additionally, colleges and hospitals should collaborate with high schools to recruit future nurses, presenting both the challenges and rewards of the profession. Identifying candidates who are a good fit for nursing will help ensure that graduates are prepared and committed to the field.
The nursing shortage is a multifaceted issue that affects patient care, staff morale, and the overall healthcare system. By taking steps to recruit, educate, and support new and existing nurses, we can build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.
References
Moore, M. (2015). The nursing shortage and the doctor shortage are two very different things. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/06/05/the-nursing-shortage-and-the-doctor-shortage-are-two-very-different-things/
The future of nursing: Focus on education. (2010). Retrieved from http://nursejournal.org/articles/the-future-of-nursing-infographic/