The US is grappling with a serious nursing shortage caused by burnout and other challenges in the healthcare system. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, only about 177,400 nurses are likely to enter the US workforce between 2022 and 2032, against an annual demand of 193,100.
What's The Reason for the Nationwide Nursing Shortage?
Higher patient-to-nurse ratios and insufficient staffing: Since the pandemic, patient demand has been on the rise, resulting in heavier workloads and staffing shortages. This has contributed to burnout and nurses leaving the profession.
Insufficient support and resources: According to the American Nurses Association, nurses often lack the necessary support and resources to handle their workload and cope with the emotional demands of their roles.
Aging workforce and retirement: A substantial percentage of the current nursing workforce is approaching retirement, worsening the shortage.
Limited capacity of nursing programs: Nursing programs are struggling to fulfill the demand for new nurses because they have a shortage of faculty, clinical placements, and resources.
Consequences of The Nursing Shortage
The United States Census Bureau indicates that people aged 65 and older will have reached 77 million by 2034, meaning the need for geriatric care and general nursing care will go up. If not adequately addressed, the nationwide nursing shortage poses serious risks, including:
Reduced quality of care: Currently, there are nine RNs in the U.S. for every 1,000 people, on average. As the demand for nurses continues to outpace the supply, patient safety and quality of care is likely to deteriorate.
Higher mortality rates: Studies show that hospitals with low nurse-to-patient ratios experience higher mortality and failure-to-rescue rates.
Potential closure of hospitals: Severe nursing shortages could result in hospitals closing, with those in rural areas being the worst affected. Statistics show that since February 2023, 42 medical centers have shut down medical departments or terminated services at facilities.
Initiatives to Alleviate the Nursing Shortage
In light of the challenges created by nurse shortages, efforts have been put in place to address the growing problem across the country.
For example, the Coalition for Nursing Equity and Excellence, a collaboration between Minnesota State University and the University of Minnesota, is working directly with every nursing school in Minnesota to increase enrollment in nursing programs.
How Can Nursing Educators Play?
Nursing educators have an important role in preparing students to face real work situations by addressing important topics like mental health and wellness, identifying burnout (and solutions), and conflict management.
Other Interventions Include:
- Encouraging more nurses to become educators by offering accessible online MSN (Masters in Nursing) programs to build their capacity.
- Working closely with healthcare facilities to understand nurse concerns, including workload, scheduling, and working conditions, and finding appropriate solutions.
- Expanding clinical placement opportunities for students through nursing programs in their institutions.
- Advocating for better Policies and Funding, for example, passage of the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing Act (FAAN Act).
Take Action Against Nursing Burnout Today
CMEList provides useful learning resources that can help educators and healthcare providers fight burnout and build resilient nursing teams.