Nursing Shortage: Solutions of the Problem

Introduction

The field of nursing is multifaceted, encompassing a variety of roles and responsibilities that guide individuals into different aspects of this vital career. Nurses are not limited to a singular role; instead, they embrace multiple responsibilities such as caregiver, manager, educator, and advocate. These roles are integral to the profession and are recognized by patients and other healthcare professionals alike. However, working in healthcare presents numerous challenges, including staff shortages, needle-stick incidents, and HIPAA violations. Over the years, extensive research has led to the development of potential solutions to address these pressing nursing issues, which impact nurses on a daily basis.

Exploring Nursing Roles

Nursing is characterized by a spectrum of roles, each contributing to comprehensive patient care. The responsibilities of a nurse extend beyond basic patient interaction and include being a caregiver, manager, educator, and advocate. These roles involve several tasks that RNs can delegate to other healthcare professionals, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs). While LPNs and UAPs have specific limitations due to their educational background, they play essential roles in the healthcare team. Registered nurses, with their extensive training and expertise, perform a wide range of duties to enhance patient well-being, illustrating the interconnectedness of nursing roles.

Caregiving: The Heart of Nursing

The role of a caregiver is central to nursing, encompassing various duties essential for patient care. As caregivers, nurses provide not only medical assistance but also emotional support to patients and their families. They administer treatments, assist with daily living activities, and offer comfort during both joyous and challenging times. For LPNs and UAPs, caregiving involves administering medications (in the case of LPNs) and assisting with activities of daily living, vital signs monitoring, and documentation. While these roles differ from those of registered nurses, they are equally important in delivering comprehensive care. The essence of caregiving lies in its ability to address both physical and emotional needs, making it a cornerstone of nursing practice.

The Role of Manager

In the healthcare environment, the role of manager is crucial for ensuring effective patient care. A nurse manager leads, plans, coordinates, and evaluates patient care while making critical decisions. This role involves supervising staff, enforcing policies, and developing improvements in patient care. The concept of the nurse as a manager has evolved since the late 1970s, with responsibilities that include motivating staff and solving problems. While RNs typically assume managerial roles, LPNs can also manage specific units in certain settings, such as nursing homes. The managerial role involves balancing hands-on patient care with strategic planning, highlighting its importance in the healthcare system.

Educator: Empowering Through Knowledge

Education is a vital component of nursing, as it empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health. As educators, nurses provide crucial information about medical conditions, treatment options, and post-discharge care. This role reduces patient anxiety and promotes better health outcomes. In hospitals, RNs primarily assume the educator role, while LPNs educate patients in settings like nursing homes. Educating patients about their health enables them to participate actively in their care, making the educator role indispensable in nursing.

Advocate: Championing Patient Rights

Advocacy is a fundamental aspect of nursing, where nurses champion the rights and needs of their patients. As advocates, nurses gather and interpret information, act as protectors, and mediate between patients and healthcare providers. This role has evolved to include speaking for individuals unable to express their needs, such as those who are comatose. RNs are pivotal in questioning medical orders and promoting patient comfort, while LPNs and UAPs contribute by raising concerns with supervisors. Advocacy ensures that patients receive the best possible care, underscoring its critical importance in nursing practice.

Addressing Nursing Challenges

The nursing profession faces significant challenges, with the shortage of nurses being the most pressing issue. By 2022, the United States is expected to experience a shortage of over one million nurses. This shortage is exacerbated by a lack of nursing faculty at universities, leading to the denial of admission for thousands of students. Factors such as degree requirements, workload, and salary discrepancies contribute to this issue. Additionally, the increasing workload and high turnover rates among nurses further strain the healthcare system. The aging population of nurses reaching retirement age compounds the shortage, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.

Proposed Solutions: Bridging the Gap

To address the nursing shortage, innovative solutions are being developed. Collaborations between hospitals and universities aim to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing nursing degrees. Programs offering flexible schedules and tuition incentives encourage enrollment and completion of nursing programs. Hospitals are also improving benefits, offering flexible work hours, and implementing career ladders to attract and retain nurses. Transition programs for new graduates build confidence and reduce turnover rates, ensuring a steady workforce. These solutions are crucial for addressing the nursing shortage and promoting a sustainable healthcare system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the field of nursing is characterized by diverse roles and responsibilities that are vital for patient care. While nurses face challenges such as shortages and workload, ongoing efforts to develop solutions offer hope for the future. By addressing these issues and enhancing the profession's appeal, the nursing field can continue to provide essential healthcare services. The dedication of nurses as caregivers, managers, educators, and advocates remains integral to the well-being of patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

Did you like this example?

942

39