The Effect of Nursing Shortage on the Health Care System

The nursing shortage is a worldwide and dangers lack of qualified nursing staff in hospitals and other health care facilities. There have been several contributing factors to why care facilities are now understaffed.

Causes

• Immediate causes of the shortage begin with a misunderstanding of the nursing profession. More serious issues are poor work conditions, an aging population and wider career options for women.

Impact on Patients

• A lack of qualified nursing staff has a significant impact on patient care. In hospitals that are short staffed, mortality rates increase during both surgery and in other clinical settings.

Aging Population

• In the United States, the aging Baby Boomer population is creating a desperate need for medical professionals. As Baby Boomers age, more skilled care is required but isn't being added. This means patients will have to wait for care, increasing the risk of complications.

Other Options

• Women have moved away from more traditionally female occupations, and additionally, men still shy away from nursing, leaving spaces that need to be filled.

Who's Affected?

• All patients risk being affected by the shortage. Patients rely on their nursing staff for all aspects of their care, and when nurses are busy, patient care suffers.

Solutions

• Getting people interested in the nursing profession is key. Currently, nursing organizations and schools are promoting the benefits and security of a nursing career, hoping to draw younger men and women into the profession.