National healthcare issue/stressor in the us
The national healthcare issue/stressor that I have selected for analysis is the nursing shortage. The nursing shortage is a critical issue affecting healthcare delivery in the United States. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing shortage as “the situation in which the demand for nursing services exceeds the supply of nurses available to provide these services” (ANA, 2021).
The nursing shortage has a significant impact on the work setting, as it puts a strain on the available nursing staff and affects patient care. The shortage results in a higher workload for nurses, which can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and turnover. As a result, this can negatively impact patient outcomes and the overall quality of care provided.
In response to the nursing shortage, my health system work setting has implemented several changes. One of the significant changes is the development of retention and recruitment programs. These programs aim to attract and retain nurses by providing competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the work setting has implemented flexible work schedules, such as part-time or job-sharing positions, to accommodate the needs of nurses and improve their work-life balance.
Furthermore, the health system has collaborated with local nursing schools to offer nursing internships and clinical experiences. This initiative aims to create a pipeline of future nurses and increase the number of qualified nursing candidates. Additionally, the work setting has implemented a shared governance model that empowers nurses to be involved in decision-making processes that affect their work environment.
In conclusion, the nursing shortage is a national healthcare issue that impacts the quality of care provided in healthcare settings. In response to this issue, my health system work setting has implemented several changes aimed at recruiting and retaining nurses, creating a positive work environment, and improving patient care. These changes are crucial to address the nursing shortage and provide high-quality care to patients.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing shortage. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-the-nursing-shortage/
Buerhaus, P. I., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2020). The recent surge in nurse employment: Causes and implications. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(3), 10-15.
Joint Commission. (2018). Strategies for nurse retention. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/deprecated-unorganized/imported-assets/tjc/system-folders/topics-library/