Shortage of Nursing in Prescott Clinic Essay Example

(McKechnie, 2016). Some nurses opt for non-nursing professions or no profession at all due to payment and benefits problems. Additionally, the scarcity is especially noticeable among specialized nurses in critical care or emergency care. Various factors contribute to this shortage: reduced recruitment of new staff, underutilization of nursing skills, inadequate career support, gender inequality, cultural influences, and ineffective recruitment policies. The rise in nurse shortages is a worldwide phenomenon.

The healthcare sector is facing a dearth of nurses because of the extensive migration between positions. In the United States, there are around 2.7 million nurses, making it the largest segment in the healthcare workforce. However, since 2004, there has been a growing shortage of nurses that has adverse effects on patient care. This deficit impacts hospital services and overall healthcare delivery negatively (McKechnie, 2016). While nursing shortages are not unusual in our nation, this present situation exhibits some concerning disparities.

The entire healthcare system can overcome the lack of effectiveness by considering various factors, such as intentional reductions in nursing workforce during the 1990s. Increasing enrollment efforts can solve this issue (Cherry et al., 2015). However, financial limitations and a gap in distribution within the United States also contribute to this deficiency.

Effects of the nursing shortage

The shortage of nursing is a result of the growing population in society compared to available healthcare facilities (Cherry et al., 2015). The decreasing number of nurses entering the profession has led to a significant shortage in society. Currently, the demographic impact is the biggest problem faced by the community.

The problem of nurse shortages is worsened by the lengthy training needed for new nurses. When there is a lack of nurses, patients

suffer because the existing nurses have to work almost around the clock. This creates stressful conditions for nurses, leading to boredom, job dissatisfaction, and fatigue. The lack of rest or sleep affects their capability to provide quality service and stay focused. In this kind of environment, exhausted nurses are more likely to make errors in their care provision. This has serious consequences as patients may not get timely or necessary treatment, potentially leading to death.

How to solve the nurse shortage problem

Different solution methods have been suggested to remedy the nurse shortage problem. These methods include subsidizing funding, wages, hiring minorities and nurses from other countries, and increasing campaigns to enhance the professional image (Cherry, et.al 2015). Many experts believe that increasing funding for nursing is crucial. Nursing schools are now partnering strategically and seeking private support to expand student admissions in nursing courses. To address turnover issues, healthcare systems must change their management tactics.

According to Cherry et.al (2015), involving staff in decision-making can change management style, decrease turnover rate, and maintain team unity at health centers.

Importance of the topic

Being informed about welfare and medicine availability is crucial for individuals as it allows them to seek proper healthcare (McKechnie, 2016). This information also helps governments identify beneficial community projects and address societal health issues. Nurse shortages have led people to seek medication abroad, highlighting the need for hospitals to be properly equipped to prevent waste. The growing population poses challenges in nursing and overall healthcare systems, including medication administration and emergency services. A review by the Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed that lower nursing staffing levels are associated with higher patient mortality rates, failure to

protect patients, and clinic falls (McKechnie, 2016).

Lower nurse staffing levels have been shown to be connected to a range of negative consequences, including errors in drug administration, neglecting nursing care, increased patient mortality, the inability to protect patients, and hospital falls. A study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health has discovered compelling evidence linking lower nurse staffing levels to these outcomes. Furthermore, society is currently experiencing dynamic transformations due to shifts such as technological advancements, globalization, and the influence of social media. It is crucial to establish mechanisms that can adapt to these trends within the healthcare industry. In order to effectively address the impacts of these changes, nurses and other healthcare providers must also stay updated with the latest trends.

The problem of the shortage of nurses is a significant issue worldwide and must be addressed promptly. The following references provide additional information on this matter:

Reference

1. McKechnie, T. (2016). CALL FOR NURSES: The Multi-Dimensional Manifestation of Nursing Shortage on Patient Care. QIHI Journal of Healthcare Improvement and Patient Safety, (2).
2. Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2015). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences
3. Prescott, M., &Nichter, M. (2014), transnational nurse migration: Future directions for medical anthropological research.

The article titled "Social Science & Medicine" (107, 113-123) is the focus of the text.