The nursing profession is the cornerstone of the healthcare system. The profession currently faces several challenges including staffing shortages, demanding workloads, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases. In addition, nurses must continually adapt to new medical technologies and protocols while advocating for patient-centered care in an environment influenced by changing healthcare policies. Nurses are asked to balance compassion with the practical demands of the job. Nurses, policymakers, and administration must acknowledge and address these issues to ensure a happy and effective workforce.
1. Nursing Shortages
Nursing shortages are a critical challenge to healthcare with implications for patient care and system functionality. There are an insufficient number of nurses to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. As of 2023, the profession continues to face critical shortages due to a number of factors:
- Decline in the number of professional educators
- High turnover rates
- Aging population
- An expansion of healthcare services
- Regional inequities in the workforce
The high demand on nurses can lead to burnout, a decline in job satisfaction and low retention rates. As the demand for healthcare continues to rise and the shortage intensifies, the workload for existing staff grows, potentially compromising the quality of patient care.
Increased efforts are needed to help attract and retain new nurses through education, competitive compensation, and improved working conditions. Policymakers and healthcare institutions must work together to implement solutions like these that will deliver a quality nursing workforce capable of meeting future healthcare needs.
2. Increased Exposure to Infections
Nurses face an increased risk of exposure to infections due to their role in healthcare settings. As a frontline healthcare provider, nurses come in close contact with patients who may carry an infectious disease. The risk is greater in hospitals and clinics where many pathogens exist. Nurses often administer medications, perform medical procedures, and provide direct patient care, placing them in frequent contact with contagious individuals. They often perform emergency care which requires a quick response further increasing the potential for exposure.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the importance of infectious disease control and protective equipment for nurses. Nurses need comprehensive training, access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper adherence to infection prevention guidelines to protect them from exposure.
3. Workplace Violence
Though nurses are core to the healthcare system, their work often goes unnoticed. Their frontline interactions with patients put them at a high risk of assault and violence. Nurses face many forms of violence, including physical assault, verbal abuse, and intimidation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “between 8 and 38% of nurses suffer workplace violence during their careers.
Long shifts, high levels of stress, and emotional healthcare interactions can contribute to an environment where nurses are vulnerable to aggressive acts. Hospital workplace injuries are 4x greater than in other sectors. While most nurses do not report an incident, 1 in 4 have been assaulted. Studies show workplace violence affects the quality of care, a nurse’s job satisfaction and their quality of life. Workplace violence against a nurse undermines the well-being of the healthcare professional and compromises patient care.
Hospital administration must address workplace violence against nurses with advanced education, support systems, and policies to ensure the safety and security of their nurses. Together with staff, a culture of respect and empathy must be created within healthcare settings to have an environment where nurses can carry out their roles without fear of violence.
4. Technological Development
Technological developments have transformed healthcare. Innovations have improved patient care, communication, and overall efficiency. Electronic health records (EHRs) integration has streamlined the documentation process, allowing nurses to instantly access and update patient information. Telehealth has enabled nurses to remotely monitor patients, consult virtually, and deliver care to patients in remote or underserved areas.
Novel medical devices and wearable technology allow nurses to gather real-time patient data, enabling more personalized care. Nursing education utilizes simulation technologies, which allows students to engage in clinical scenarios to better hone their skills in a controlled environment. Additionally, mobile applications allow for collaboration between healthcare teams, improving both coordination and communication.
Though the technological advancements can be beneficial, nurses must adapt to and learn the technology. Continual education and training are necessary for nurses to feel confident in utilizing the full potential of technology to deliver quality patient care.
5. Busy Shifts and Cancellations
Busy shifts and cancellations are common challenges for nurses. High patient volumes, diverse care needs, and time constraints, require nurses to multitask. The fast-paced nature of healthcare can lead to increased stress and exhaustion among nursing staff. Cancellations can lead to decreases in patient load resulting in staffing imbalances, leaving nurses underutilized and cause disruptions in patient care. The inconsistencies in patient demand can be due to seasonal variations, unexpected emergencies, or fluctuations in scheduled procedures.
Flexible scheduling, strategies, and communication are necessary to ensure nurses can deliver optimal care even in the most challenging and unpredictable of circumstances.
6. Political Issues in Nursing and Awareness
There are many challenging political issues that impact a nurse’s ability to provide the best patient care. Nurses often struggle with staffing levels, workplace conditions, and fair compensation. Nurses must have a strong political voice to advocate for safe nurse-to-patient ratios, improved working conditions, and competitive salaries. They must also work to raise awareness about healthcare policies and legislation that directly affect their practice and profession. Their active engagement in the political process empowers nurses to influence policy decisions that affect the future of healthcare.
By participating in advocacy, joining professional organizations, or staying informed about relevant policy developments, a nurse’s knowledge of political issues is vital for change within the healthcare system.
While nursing can be a challenging profession, there are ways to overcome and succeed. Nurses play an important role in the healthcare system and must use their knowledge to be advocates for their profession and for the care of their patients.