The nursing shortage is a significant issue facing the healthcare sector, and finding enough qualified nurses to fill vacancies in hospitals and clinics can be challenging. There are several causes for this, and there are ways you can do to improve the circumstance.
Lack of Faculty in Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs
When a student is studying for a nursing license, they expect to interact with faculty who care about their education. This caring behavior from instructors drives their desire to continue learning. In turn, it influences their grades and helps them develop a sense of belonging and confidence. The literature review for masters in nursing administration online programs summarizes the research on faculty concern, highlighting how the situation is a crucial element of a nurturing learning environment and providing helpful advice on encouraging this behavior.
Research suggests that faculty caring is one of the most critical factors contributing to students’ success in higher education. Yet, more is needed to know about the academic support prelicensure nursing students receive. As such, the study sought to fill this knowledge gap.
The study utilized a qualitative descriptive design, allowing for a flexible, adaptive research process. The study gathered data from 16 semi-structured interviews with pre-licensure student nurses.
Urban Vs. Rural Areas
The health gap between urban and rural America draws much attention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is also a concern for healthcare industry leaders who need to improve access to healthcare in these areas.
A recent report published by the Chartis Group found that nearly half of all rural hospitals operate in the red. Rural communities need help to hire enough medical personnel.
Thousands of rural hospitals are overwhelmed with critically ill patients. Another 453 hospitals are at risk for closure.
Despite the adage that there are more ‘jacks of all trades’ in the rural setting, the reality is that rural nurses have a more challenging time specializing in their field. They need more opportunities to learn.
COVID-19
The causes and remedies for the nursing shortage are examined in a new report from the International Council of Nurses (ICN). 17 nursing experts were questioned by the authors. They included leaders of the nursing professional associations and state government officials. Their findings demonstrate how vital nurses are to the delivery of healthcare.
Nursing has become more urgent and essential as the population grows older and more vulnerable. This is why policymakers must prioritize a coordinated approach to the nursing shortage.
The shortage is expected to worsen in the years to come as baby boomers retire and the aging population grows. Additionally, the need is due to a lack for more training.
In a recent survey of hospital chief executives, 80 percent said that RN shortages were their top staffing concern. As a result, they have been making various efforts to attract workers.
Compensation Packages
The nursing shortage is a severe issue. It affects the healthcare sector as well as the overall economy. Providing the right compensation package can help alleviate the need and keep the healthcare industry viable.
Base compensation is calculated based on nurses’ average time on direct patient care. This includes hourly and salaried wages, bonuses, health benefits, and other non-monetary compensation. Typically, nursing employees are offered a pension plan, medical coverage, and life insurance.
Various factors impact base compensation, including the location of the facility, the type of facility, and leadership capabilities. Some respondents suggested improving health benefits, reimbursing certification costs, and rewarding certified employees. Other suggestions were offering incentives to encourage perioperative nurses to pursue higher education and providing reimbursement for professional memberships.
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Flexibility in Shift Lengths And Start Times
One of the most essential strategies in recruiting and retaining nurses is flexible work arrangements. Flexible scheduling allows employees to choose their own shifts and ensures that employees can balance their work life with their personal obligations.
In recent years, nurses have been leaving the profession, often due to burnout and job dissatisfaction. Many return to school to get a master’s degree or pursue a new career.
While this may be a good move for some, it can be costly for medical facilities. High turnover can result in higher absenteeism rates and disrupt the patient experience. A more balanced work-life can also increase employee satisfaction and improve wellness.
Flexible schedules can also reduce the chances of burnout and increase employee engagement. The National Institute of Nursing Research reported that patients were more satisfied with nurses who worked 11 hours or less rather than longer shifts.
