Term Paper on "Shortage of Nurses in the U"

Term Paper 4 pages (1422 words) Sources: 6 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Shortage of Nurses in the U.S.

The retention of nursing staff in sections and departments of hospitals and health institutions has become a major issue in healthcare management. In fact many studies indicate that the shortage of nursing staff has become an international problem. There are numerous causes for this shortage. One of the most commonly cited reasons for the shortage are decreased job satisfaction. Other issued that also have to be considered are the change in status of women in modern society and the fact that more women in developed countries have more life and work choices. This also relates to the attraction of other opportunities and professions.

However, while there are many factors that influence the loss and retention of nursing staff, yet one of the central causes cited is that the shortage of nurses is largely due to the increased pressure and poor working conditions. This is linked to other central causes; such as the attraction of other professions and the changed status of women in modern society.

Coupled with this is the fact that the nursing shortage is a serious issue that has profound implications for the healthcare industry and for the nursing profession. Therefore the central thesis that will be explored in this paper is that the nursing shortage is the result of a combination of various factors which create a complex and serious situation for modern nursing. The various causes and the ways that they are related to one another will be discussed in the following sections.

2. The extent of the problem

An article by a practicing healthcare professional clearly summarizes the extent of the nursing problem.

The nursing shortage in the United States has turned into a full-blown crisis. Because fewer young people go into nursing, one-third of registered nurses in the United States are now over 50 years of age, and that proportion is expected to rise to 40% over the next decade. Nurses currently practicing report high rates of job dissatisfaction, with one in five seriously considering leaving the profession within the next five years. In Baltimore, where I practice medicine, hospitals routinely cancel or delay surgical cases because of a lack of nursing staff.

Dworkin)

This view is supported by numerous studies and official statistics. A number of national surveys, including one by the American Hospital Association, indicate that hospitals are averaging 11% to 14% vacancy rates in nursing positions, which amount to about 120,000 vacancies nationwide. Furthermore, the federal government predicts the number of vacancies will surpass 800,000 by 2020.

The projected shortage in 2020 results from a projected 40% increase in demand between 2000 and 2020, compared to a projected 6% growth in supply..." ("Condition: Critical; Long Hours," 2002, p. A01)

Other reports indicate that this shortage has impacted on healthcare in general and that, "Nurses and physicians say hospital nurse staffing levels are already inadequate for safe and effective care..." ("Condition: Critical; Long Hours," 2002, p. A01)

There are a number of journal articles that state clearly that this shortage of nursing expertise is considered to be a national crisis in healthcare and is also a threat to the future of the nursing profession. "The future of professional nursing is threatened today by the current and impending shortage of nurses. While the entire health care industry is affected, it is even more predominant in specialty areas such as urologic nursing. If unresolved, the crisis will be even more significant in the future." (Albaugh)

3. Causes

There are numerous causes that are cited in studies for this situation. One of the most common is that of low job satisfaction.

A central contributing factor to this aspect is that nurses often feel that they do not have enough involvement in decision making. For example, McFarland, Leonard, and Morris (1984) state that the following as central causative factors. "...a lack of involvement in policy and decision making, problems with supervisors, poor working conditions, inadequate salary, and a lack of job security." (Albaugh)

Other aspects that affect job satisfaction are increased tension and responsibilities. Issues which add to the causes of nursing staff shortage are, according to a study by Leveck and Jones (1996) cited in Albaugh (2003), the following; "...the main complaints of nurses were related to overseeing unlicensed assistive… READ MORE

How to Reference "Shortage of Nurses in the U" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

U.S. Health Care Delivery System and Drivers for Change Research Paper

U.S. Health Care Delivery System

Statistics and information regarding the U.S. health care system are ubiquitous and tell a distressing story about its present condition but also its future trajectory.… read more

Research Paper 3 pages (870 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Healthcare / Health / Obamacare

---

Pros and Cons of Foreign Educated Nurses Working in America Term Paper

foreign nurses- PROS AND CONS

Nursing shortage is now a well-known problem in the country and one that deeply concerns health care institutions nationwide. As these hospitals are doing everything… read more

Term Paper 7 pages (1846 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Nursing / Doctor / Physician

---

H 1b Shortage Research Proposal

H-1B Shortage

In today's society, knowledge and expertise are raw materials that are essential for companies and countries so that they can be more competitive. The economy is dependent on… read more

Research Proposal 35 pages (10207 words) Sources: 30 Style: Chicago Topic: Family / Dating / Marriage

---

Nursing Shortage in the US Essay

U.S. NURSING SHORTAGE

Background, History, and Significance of the Problem

nursing profession has been experiencing a staffing shortage for approximately a decade, with certain medical areas and specialties being more… read more

Essay 6 pages (1776 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA Topic: Nursing / Doctor / Physician

---

Nursing Shortage This Work in Writing Research Proposal

Nursing Shortage

This work in writing will take under consideration the fact that there has been a nursing shortage and will attempt to answer the question of whether nursing has… read more

Research Proposal 7 pages (2268 words) Sources: 5 Topic: Nursing / Doctor / Physician

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>