Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Discuss the events that have contributed (or will continue to contribute) to the nursing shortage, or that contribute to a shortage in a region or specialty. Discuss at least one way that the nursing profession is currently working toward a resolution of this problem. In replies to peers, offer different examples of how the nursing shortage has been addressed in your state, community, or specialty area.

MORE INFO 

Discuss the events that have contributed to the nursing shortage

Introduction

The nursing shortage is a serious issue facing the health care industry. In this article, I will discuss some of the causes of this shortage including aging populations and increasing chronic conditions.

the aging of the population and the increase in chronic health conditions

You’re probably aware that the aging of our population is a significant contributor to the nursing shortage. As baby boomers age and become more susceptible to chronic health conditions, it becomes increasingly important for them to receive care from nurses. However, there are other factors contributing as well:

• The increase in chronic health conditions among Americans has created demand for physicians and other medical professionals who can treat these diseases.

• As people live longer, they require more long-term care in their homes or communities; this means that many will need assistance from home health aides or physical therapists who are trained professionals but may not have access to postsecondary education programs like nursing schools do today (this could change over time).

the projected retirement of older nurses

• The projected retirement of older nurses.

• The nursing shortage is projected to be worse in the future.

The healthcare system has been facing a major crisis due to the lack of qualified nurses, with research showing that by 2030 there will be a shortage of 114,000 new entrants into the profession each year and an estimated shortfall of 300,000 nursing staff by 2050. These shortages can be attributed to both factors: (1) an aging population; and (2) increased demand for healthcare services caused by an aging population coupled with declining birthrates resulting from low fertility rates around Europe and America (for example).

the shortage of nursing faculty to teach students

One of the biggest reasons for the shortage is that there aren’t enough nursing faculty to teach students. Since many schools don’t have enough nursing faculty, they have trouble hiring new ones. The lack of incentive for people to enter nursing compared to other professions also contributes to this problem.

The aging of the population and increase in chronic health conditions will likely lead to more opportunities for older nurses who want a slower pace or work-life balance than younger nurses may be able to provide them with. This means that some individuals may choose not pursue a career in healthcare because they feel it won’t offer them what they need out of life or because they simply don’t want all the responsibilities associated with being an employee at any company today (e., working long hours).

the lack of incentive for people to enter nursing compared to other professions

If you’re wondering why the nursing shortage is so large and why there are so few nurses in the United States, consider the following:

• Nursing is a low-paying profession. Most nurses don’t make much money, but that’s not because they’re doing something wrong or unimportant. It’s just how things are set up right now. The average annual salary for a registered nurse (RN) was $65,000 as of May 2018—less than half what it was in 2011 and less than one third what it was in 2000!

• Nurses have high stress levels because they work long hours and deal with difficult patients every day. Many people who enter nursing do so out of necessity; they need the money to help pay bills while they attend school or get another job after graduation—but if you’re considering becoming an RN yourself then know this: it will likely be one of your hardest jobs ever!

Takeaway:

• Aging population

• Increase in chronic health conditions

• Projected retirement of older nurses

In short, the nursing shortage is a result of a number of factors: aging populations, an increase in chronic health conditions, and an anticipated shortfall in the supply of new nurses to meet those needs.

Conclusion

The nursing shortage is a problem that can be solved if we work together to find solutions. It’s important for us to recognize this issue and strive towards a solution, but we also need support from our government leaders in order for these efforts to succeed.