Topic 1 DQ 1

Please respond with a paragraph to the following question, add citations and references:

The nursing profession is at risk of an increased shortage of nurses. The increased shortage of nurses can strongly impact health care corporations. In my current position in Portland Oregon I have noticed that when we have shortages nurses are placed at risk for harm. Nurses become responsible for increased workload, which can lead to physical and emotional stress. This places both you and your patients at danger. Another issue that accurse within my hospital when short staffed is the ability to admit patients. If we have reached a full census we are unable to admit patients from the emergency room. This will place the emergency room on divert, meaning patients will need to go to the nearest hospital. This potentially can delay care for patients that urgently need it. Management also prefers that we keep all of our beds full to ensure maximum revenue and with out the appropriate staff we are unable to do so.

The nursing shortage is quickly approaching. According to The Health Resources and Services Administration “more than 1 million registered nurses will reach retirement age within the next 10 to 15 years” (AACN, 2014). This will create a major set back reinforcing the issue stated above.

Many organizations are working on hiring young graduate students in order to replace the baby boomers class. This provides a company and the nursing community with longevity in an attempt to replace the baby boomer class. Many states are working to expand the nursing programs as well as create more in order to keep up with the current and up and coming shortage.

American Associates of Colleges of Nursing. (2014). Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/NrsgShort…