NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 5

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4000 Developing a Nursing Perspective

Prof. Name

Date

Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue

Many healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are experiencing a shortage of doctors, nurses, and other essential workers. This shortage makes it difficult to provide high-quality care to patients. Nurses, in particular, are feeling the strain, leading to burnout and some choosing to leave the profession. This exacerbates the issue and poses a risk to patient safety. Addressing the shortage involves offering better compensation, more manageable work schedules, and increased training opportunities to retain staff. Implementing technology such as telehealth could also enhance care delivery (Jonasdottir et al., 2022). It’s essential for hospitals and leadership to take swift action to prevent further negative effects on both healthcare workers and patients. This assessment examines the current shortage of healthcare workers, its impact, and potential solutions to improve care and support staff.

Describing the Healthcare Problem

The shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses and doctors, is a significant concern. Many hospitals and clinics simply do not have enough personnel to care for all patients, creating overwhelming workloads for the existing staff. As a result, healthcare workers experience stress and fatigue, and some even decide to leave their positions. In the United States, the turnover rate for nurses is notably high, with approximately 27.65% of nurses leaving their positions annually (Bae, 2023). A lack of sufficient nursing staff can endanger patient safety. Research has shown a clear link between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality. For example, a study conducted at a Swiss university hospital in 2021 found that low nurse staffing was associated with a 10% increased risk of patient mortality, while higher staffing levels reduced this risk by 8.7% (Musy et al., 2021).

Healthcare worker shortages have far-reaching consequences. Insufficient nursing staff not only places a greater burden on the existing workers but also affects patient care. Research suggests that improved working conditions and better pay can help alleviate some of these issues (Zhang et al., 2024). In rural areas, additional benefits such as housing allowances and higher salaries can help retain nurses (Witter et al., 2021). For hospitals and healthcare leaders, it is crucial to find ways to support nurses to ensure patient safety and avoid overwhelming the existing workforce. Without these changes, patients may suffer, and the healthcare system could face further difficulties. Addressing workforce shortages is vital to avoid burnout, reduce patient mortality, and improve the quality of care (Musy et al., 2021). Enhancing retention through better wages, improved schedules, and training programs will have a positive impact on both healthcare workers and patient outcomes (Zhang et al., 2024).

Analyzing the Problem or Issue

A shortage of healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, is a widespread issue in the United States and many other countries. When there are not enough workers, those remaining are burdened with excessive workloads (Zhang et al., 2024). This imbalance can lead to errors, reduced patient care, and even increased mortality rates. According to Zaranko et al. (2022), data from the English National Health Service revealed that each additional 12-hour shift worked by a registered nurse reduced the likelihood of patient death by 9.6%.

On the other hand, teams with staffing levels 16 hours or more below the target had a 22.8% higher likelihood of patient mortality. This issue is particularly relevant to me as I’ve witnessed firsthand the effects of understaffing. In my own experience, my unit was often short-staffed, leaving me to care for too many patients. This led to burnout and exhaustion, which, in turn, hindered my ability to provide optimal care. Several of my colleagues also left their positions due to the overwhelming stress. These observations highlight how understaffing in hospitals can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and, ultimately, poor care.

Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are the most affected by these shortages. Patients also bear the consequences, as they may not receive the attention and care they need. Families also worry when their loved ones do not receive appropriate care. Hospital administrators and government officials need to act to address these challenges. Solutions may involve hiring additional staff, raising salaries, and improving work conditions (Bae, 2023; Zhang et al., 2024). Research plays a vital role in understanding the issue and determining the most effective solutions. Studies on workforce shortages are essential to assess their long-term impact on patient care, staff burnout, and healthcare costs (Bae, 2023). Areas requiring further research include the effectiveness of staffing policies, the potential role of technology in mitigating shortages, and the long-term sustainability of retention strategies (Zhang et al., 2024).

Potential Solutions

The shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses, is a major problem contributing to stress, burnout, and poor patient care. There are various ways to address this issue, with some solutions focusing on improving the retention of existing staff, while others aim to recruit new workers. One potential solution is to improve working conditions for nurses. This includes offering better pay, flexible work schedules, and more support in the workplace.

When nurses feel valued, they are more likely to stay in their positions, which could reduce turnover and improve patient care (Bae, 2023). However, expanding the workforce requires additional financial resources and may take time to yield results. Another approach is to increase the number of nursing programs and scholarships, as well as creating programs to help new nurses transition into their roles. However, this solution may take years to have an impact, as it takes time to train new nurses (Musy et al., 2021).

NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 5

Some experts suggest that technology could be part of the solution. Telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) can help ease the burden on nurses by reducing administrative tasks and enabling remote consultations. While these technologies could improve efficiency, the high cost of implementation and limited availability in some healthcare facilities may be obstacles. Improving working conditions remains one of the most effective solutions, as supported nurses are more likely to stay in their jobs, reducing burnout and turnover.

Research indicates that patient care improves when nurses have better work conditions (Lasater et al., 2021). However, combining various solutions may offer the best approach to resolving the crisis. Hospitals could improve work conditions, train more nurses, and incorporate technology to support healthcare workers. The implementation of AI faces challenges such as high costs, privacy concerns, and resistance from healthcare workers due to fears of job loss (Lasater et al., 2021). Furthermore, AI’s accuracy limitations, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory requirements slow its widespread adoption (Musy et al., 2021).

The Impact of Ethical Principles on Solutions

Ethical considerations ensure that solutions are fair, safe, and respectful. Four important ethical principles to consider in addressing healthcare workforce shortages are beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. Beneficence focuses on promoting good for others. Solutions aimed at improving work conditions and training for nurses benefit both patients and healthcare workers. For example, hiring more nurses can reduce the workload on existing staff and improve care quality.

Lasater et al. (2021) found that Illinois hospitals with a nurse-patient ratio of 4:1 could have prevented 1,595 deaths and saved $117 million annually. This demonstrates how beneficence promotes better care and safety. Nonmaleficence emphasizes avoiding harm. Overworked nurses are more likely to make mistakes that can harm patients. Without addressing the shortage, both nurses and patients will suffer. To follow nonmaleficence, reducing nurse workloads is essential to prevent harm, which could be supported by AI technologies for reducing paperwork.

NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 5

Autonomy involves respecting individual choices. Nurses should have some control over their work-life balance, as many leave their jobs due to feeling overburdened and unsupported. A good solution should offer flexible schedules and improved work conditions, allowing nurses to maintain their careers while also having personal time. Justice ensures fairness. Solutions must be equitable for all, including those in rural areas who may have fewer healthcare workers. Telehealth could help bridge this gap, offering both patients and nurses greater convenience. Research indicates that offering higher salaries and housing incentives in rural areas can help attract and retain healthcare workers (Witter et al., 2021). Without these measures, rural communities may continue to suffer. Justice guarantees that all patients receive good care, regardless of their location.

It is also important to address bias. Solutions like telehealth and nurse training programs for rural areas should be fair to all nurses, regardless of their gender, race, or location. If improvements are only made in urban hospitals, rural workers and patients will continue to face difficulties. Longenecker et al. (2020) suggests that rural-focused training and financial incentives can help balance healthcare services. According to their study, only 8.2% of medical schools publicly commit to training rural doctors, although 64.8% offer rural training and 21.4% have formal rural programs. By applying these ethical principles, solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage can be fair, effective, and sustainable.

Sphere of Care

Chronic disease management requires consistent care, but the shortage of healthcare workers makes it difficult for patients to access the care they need. Patients in rural areas, in particular, face long wait times and limited access to healthcare providers, making it harder to manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease. One potential solution is telehealth, which allows patients to consult with doctors via video calls, reducing the need for in-person visits. This can save time and money, especially for people in remote areas. With telehealth, doctors can monitor patients more frequently and catch potential issues early, preventing complications. A study by Moulaei et al. (2023) found that 71% of 1,226 patients preferred in-person visits, but 29% chose telemedicine for its convenience and cost savings. While some patients value in-person visits for more thorough examinations, telemedicine offers a more accessible and efficient option.

Telehealth also benefits healthcare workers by enabling them to see more patients in less time, reducing stress and improving efficiency. Additionally, telehealth can connect patients with specialists who may not be available locally, ensuring all patients have access to the care they need. This aligns with the ethical principle of justice by providing equal access to care for all. It also promotes beneficence, as it helps improve patient well-being, and nonmaleficence, as it reduces the risk of harm. Telehealth also supports autonomy, giving patients more control over their healthcare. Therefore, telehealth is a valuable solution for improving chronic disease management, particularly for patients in rural areas, and also alleviating the burden on healthcare workers.

Conclusion

The shortage of healthcare workers is a pressing issue that leads to stress and burnout among healthcare staff and puts patients at risk. Offering better pay, improved work schedules, and more training can help retain nurses and healthcare workers. Incorporating technology such as telehealth can also improve care delivery. It is essential for hospitals and leaders to take swift action to address this issue and protect both workers and patients.

References

Bae, S.-H. (2023). Comprehensive assessment of factors contributing to the actual turnover of newly licensed registered nurses working in acute care hospitals: A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01190-3

Jonasdottir, S. K., Thordardottir, I., & Jonsdottir, T. (2022). Health professionals’ perspective towards challenges and opportunities of telehealth service provision: A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 167, 104862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104862

Lasater, K. B., Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D., French, R., Martin, B., Alexander, M., & McHugh, M. D. (2021). Patient outcomes and cost savings associated with hospital safe nurse staffing legislation: An observational study. BMJ Open, 11(12), e052899. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052899

Longenecker, R. L., Andrilla, C. H. A., Jopson, A. D., Evans, D. V., Schmitz, D., Larson, E. H., & Patterson, D. G. (2020). Pipelines to pathways: Medical school commitment to producing a rural workforce. The Journal of Rural Health, 37(4), 723–733. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12542

Moulaei, K., Sheikhtaheri, A., Fatehi, F., Yazdani, A., & Bahaadinbeigy, K. (2023). Patients’ perspectives and preferences toward telemedicine versus in-person visits: A mixed-methods study on 1226 patients. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02348-4

NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 5

Musy, S. N., Endrich, O., Leichtle, A. B., Griffiths, P., Nakas, C. T., & Simon, M. (2021). The association between nurse staffing and inpatient mortality: A shift-level retrospective longitudinal study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 120(103950), 103950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103950

Witter, S., Herbst, C. H., Smitz, M., Balde, M. D., Magazi, I., & Zaman, R. U. (2021). How to attract and retain health workers in rural areas of a fragile state: Findings from a labour market survey in Guinea. PloS One, 16(12), e0245569. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245569

Zaranko, B., Sanford, N. J., Kelly, E., Rafferty, A. M., Bird, J., Mercuri, L., Sigsworth, J., Wells, M., & Propper, C. (2022). Nurse staffing and inpatient mortality in the English national health service: A retrospective longitudinal study. BMJ Quality & Safety, 32(5), bmjqs-2022-015291. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015291

Zhang, H., Abdullah, V. C. W. B., & Wong, L. (2024). The association between burnout, perceived organizational support, and perceived professional benefits among nurses in China. Heliyon, e39371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39371