Shortages in nurses staffing and medical staffing poses a major problem for the medical facility as well as the patients and their families. There are many contributing factors to the shortage of nurses. However, the need for proper nursing care has increased and will continue to increase in the coming years. This elevates the level of frustration of the nursing staff and can negatively affect patient care. Therefore, it is imperative that management, address staffing concerns and properly plan and handle any shortages.
Staffing Shortages
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (1), the nursing shortage has several contributing factors. As the baby boomers age, the average age of nurses are also climbing; by 2012, most nurses will be in their 50’s. Nursing turnover rates and vacancy rates are also increasing to 13.9 percent and 16.1 percent respectively. Many newly licensed nurses are changing jobs or leaving the workforce after one year. Also, college enrollment for registered nurses program are decreasing due to a shortage in nursing staff faculty.