Nursing staff levels are paramount to patient care and safety, so not surprisingly, nursing shortages are becoming a serious issue for many hospitals.
Many factors contribute to nursing shortages and the subsequent impact on patient care. The most common causes are an aging workforce, high turnover and burnout, low wages, inadequate staffing, and poor career development opportunities.
Nurses are crucial to patient safety, and when they’re stretched too thin, it can lead to errors with serious consequences, including high mortality rates.
Thankfully, there are many ways that hospitals can address the nursing shortage and improve patient care. This article will discuss four ways to deal with nursing shortage.
Embrace Flexibility
Hospitals can also offer flexible scheduling that allows nurses to work an alternative schedule, such as days and nights or weekends. This schedule is important for new parents who often need more flexibility.
For instance, if a nurse has a child who gets sick on Thursday, she can easily switch shifts with another employee and still get paid for both days.
This approach allows nurses to work part-time and still be able to take care of their families and other responsibilities. This will keep them more satisfied and less likely to leave their jobs.
This approach can also reduce turnover because it gives employees more control over their time away from work.
Looking to expand your team to deal with staff shortages? We can help. Contact us today by clicking on the link here.
Harness the Power of Technology
Technology has changed the way we live. It has also changed how businesses operate. Nurses are no exception; they use technology to help them do their jobs better, faster, and more efficiently than ever before. One of the prime examples would be the use of electronic medical records.
This system allows nurses to access patient data on their computers and mobile devices, which makes it easier for them to do their work more quickly. They need not wait for doctors or other staff members to provide them with the information they need; they can simply download it themselves.
Increase Diversity and Inclusion in Nursing
A lack of diversity can make nurses feel isolated and not part of a community, leading them to quit their jobs.
Making a conscious effort to increase diversity and inclusion within the nursing profession can have many benefits. This includes making it easier for people from all backgrounds to pursue nursing careers and helping them feel welcome.
It can also lead to more culturally competent care, which is vital when working with patients from different cultures or backgrounds.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities should actively recruit more people from underrepresented groups, such as women of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Partner up with a Nursing Staff Recruitment Agency
If you cannot keep up with the rising demand for quality nursing staff despite your best efforts, ask a nursing staff recruitment agency for help. A good agency can find qualified candidates, even if you’re unsure what kind of person you need.
They can also help train these new hires, so they fit into your organization seamlessly— all at a price that won’t break the bank.
Learn more about how we help organizations find nurse staffing solutions here at Health Carousel.
Final Word
The nursing shortage is a growing concern, but healthcare organizations can ease the strain by implementing strategies that help alleviate nurse burnout. We hope this article gives you ideas on how to handle this problem and help your organization thrive.
Contact us today if you have any queries regarding strategies that can help combat the nursing shortage. We will be happy to help.