Nurses represent the largest percent of workers in the health care workforce, but that poses the question of how there could be a shortage within the field. The problem arises from the “gap between current or projected supply of staff, and current or projected demand for staff” (Buchan, Duffield, & Jordan, 2015). The shortage of nurses is an ongoing issue that has affected the world of health care since the 1960’s according to Dolan (2011). Although Dolan, predicted a 22% increase in nurses by 2018, it is still not enough to meet the demands of health facilities. Further research proves that the number of shortages will increase to one million in 2020, where areas such as oncology will be the most affected (Dolan, 2011). There are many contributing
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In some areas, nurses have considered returning back to work and facilities have hired unemployed health care workers (Dolan, 2011). On the other hand, the number of job openings for those who are considering returning to the workforce and new graduate nurses are close to being nonexistent (Dolan, 2011). Most facilities seek nurses who have already acquired years of experience depending on their educational background (Dolan, 2011).
Buchan et al. (2015) highlighted the aging population and aging nursing workforce as a cause to nursing shortage because of the baby boomers. As supported by Dolan (2011), older adults are sent to health facilities such as nursing homes because family members are no longer fit to care for their loved ones for an extended period of time. Rosseter (2014), stated that in the next 10 to 15 years, more than one million of nurses will reach retirement age, and about 55% of nurses are 50 or older, making them more prone to …show more content…
Start by providing more opportunities for students who wish to pursue nursing as a profession. Encourage aspiring nursing students to achieve higher degrees for the betterment of patient care. Nurses who are already in the field should be valued and recognized for their tireless duties to the field, then reimbursed for their extra work. These efforts will reduce the risk of burnout, and prevent experienced nurses from leaving their jobs. In return, it will increase the quality of patient care and job satisfaction. Despite of the large number of adults over the age of 65, implementing a variety of strategies to address nursing shortage can decrease the undesirable ratio of patient to nurse. Hospitals and educational facilities need to encourage nurses to advocate for those in the profession. Also, nurses need to represent the vocation in a way that will not discourage student nurses. Nursing is growing at a fast rate, and will remain in demand because it is the backbone of health
In some areas, nurses have considered returning back to work and facilities have hired unemployed health care workers (Dolan, 2011). On the other hand, the number of job openings for those who are considering returning to the workforce and new graduate nurses are close to being nonexistent (Dolan, 2011). Most facilities seek nurses who have already acquired years of experience depending on their educational background (Dolan, 2011).
Buchan et al. (2015) highlighted the aging population and aging nursing workforce as a cause to nursing shortage because of the baby boomers. As supported by Dolan (2011), older adults are sent to health facilities such as nursing homes because family members are no longer fit to care for their loved ones for an extended period of time. Rosseter (2014), stated that in the next 10 to 15 years, more than one million of nurses will reach retirement age, and about 55% of nurses are 50 or older, making them more prone to …show more content…
Start by providing more opportunities for students who wish to pursue nursing as a profession. Encourage aspiring nursing students to achieve higher degrees for the betterment of patient care. Nurses who are already in the field should be valued and recognized for their tireless duties to the field, then reimbursed for their extra work. These efforts will reduce the risk of burnout, and prevent experienced nurses from leaving their jobs. In return, it will increase the quality of patient care and job satisfaction. Despite of the large number of adults over the age of 65, implementing a variety of strategies to address nursing shortage can decrease the undesirable ratio of patient to nurse. Hospitals and educational facilities need to encourage nurses to advocate for those in the profession. Also, nurses need to represent the vocation in a way that will not discourage student nurses. Nursing is growing at a fast rate, and will remain in demand because it is the backbone of health