Nurse Workforce The current nurse workforce has been a concern not only for the nursing profession but also of the various interested parties and levels of government as well (Fox & Abramason, 2009). It should be noted however, that the nursing shortage is not new to the profession. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the nursing shortage “has the potential to deepen in the coming years” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3263). Some research studies have shown that the shortage would impact the delivery of health care and patient outcomes (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008). As cited by Janiszewski (2003), “the recurring nursing shortages are not only nursing’s problem; ultimately the viability and effectiveness of the USA health care system will be compromised, and the nation as a whole will be affected” (p. 341). Some of the factors that contribute to the nursing shortage as identified by Janiszewski (2003) were:
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However, policy makers need to be cognizant of the “links between nurse staffing levels and range of negative health outcomes” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3265). In as much as “shortage is not just about numbers, but about how the health system functions to enable nurses to use their skills effectively” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3266), policy makers would need to work on strategies that would “provide a long term and sustainable solution” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3267) that includes feedback and ideas from nurses. In addition, the initial efforts by legislators to address the nursing shortage would need to be pursued and financed for the long-term. The commitment to intervene therefore would require not only a knee-jerk reaction but also an ongoing oversight and support from all levels - local, state, and national
However, policy makers need to be cognizant of the “links between nurse staffing levels and range of negative health outcomes” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3265). In as much as “shortage is not just about numbers, but about how the health system functions to enable nurses to use their skills effectively” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3266), policy makers would need to work on strategies that would “provide a long term and sustainable solution” (Buchnan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3267) that includes feedback and ideas from nurses. In addition, the initial efforts by legislators to address the nursing shortage would need to be pursued and financed for the long-term. The commitment to intervene therefore would require not only a knee-jerk reaction but also an ongoing oversight and support from all levels - local, state, and national