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Virtually all registered nurses (RNs) in the United
States believe that there is a nursing shortage and
the vast majority have witnessed its effects firsthand.
Most RNs also report that staffing problems at the place
where they work have gotten worse in the past year and
that these problems are having a negative impact on
the quality of patient care. Barring a reversal of current
trends, the nursing shortage that now exists can be
expected to worsen as RNs reduce their active participation
in the nursing workforce.
Despite these trends, most RNs like their jobs, offering
hope that larger numbers can be retained and attracted
as working nurses. A majority of RNs are satisfied with
being nurses and would recommend nursing to others as
a career choice. Younger RNs - and those with higher
levels of education -- are even more likely to recommend
nursing. And, despite some signs of strain in the working
relationships between nurses and management, RNs overwhelmingly
agree that patient care remains a priority at the organization
where they work.
Along with these positive views toward nursing, opportunities
clearly exist to attract and retain RNs as working nurses.
Many RNs who plan to leave their present jobs in the
next few years say they would consider staying - and
many others who have left nursing altogether say they
would consider returning - if certain conditions were
met. Among these conditions are better compensation,
an improved work environment, better hours and more
respect from management. Nurses with no immediate plans
to leave echo many of these same sentiments.
Attracting and retaining nurses in the face of a shortage
will surely be a challenge. Reducing stress in the work
environment - a leading cause of nurses leaving the
profession prior to retirement - will be particularly
difficult because this stress is a result as well as
a cause of the shortage. Still, even as the shortage
continues, steps could be taken to reduce stress by
giving RNs more say in workplace decisions; more opportunities
for professional development; more recognition; and
a physically safer and more accommodating workplace.
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