Among the many disruptions the healthcare industry has experienced in recent years, one of the most crucial is also one of the most hands-on and profound: an all but crippling shortage of nurses. In fact, even before the pandemic hit in 2019, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) reported a staggering global shortage of 30.6 million of these vital healthcare professionals.[1]
By 2022, additional ICN research showed that the pandemic and its relentless demands had exacted a devastating emotional toll, exacerbating this shortage as burnout pushed nurses to temporarily step away from their positions or even step out of the profession altogether.[2] Additional statistics from over 100 studies revealed the further extent of the toll on these essential frontline professionals. Reports showed that between 40% to 80% of nurses experienced psychological distress, with 20% intending to leave their jobs, and turnover rates in hospitals at 10% and higher.[3]
The United States, in particular, felt the strain, with approximately 100,000 registered nurses leaving their jobs due to the stresses of COVID-19. Another 610,388 nurses, with 10+ years of experience and an average age of 57, cited plans to leave the workforce by 2027 because of stress, burnout, or retirement. 189,000 younger nurses, with an average age of 36 and less experience, contemplated leaving, too.
Also, data from 24,000 licensed practical or vocational nurses across 45 states indicated that a quarter of those surveyed said they plan to leave the industry or retire in that same period.[4]
There are indications of hope, though. Nurse.org’s 2023 State of Nursing report revealed that while 62% of respondents are concerned about the future of nursing, an almost equal number still love their profession and love working in it.[5]
To meet these challenges and establish a foundation of support, Shearwater Health is launching the Shearwater STAR program (Steps to Advancement and Recognition). Our mission is to not only invest in the growth and development of our international nurses but also recognize and reward their progress and contributions along the way.
All Shearwater Health nurses are invited to join the STAR program and embark on this transformative journey of professional growth. Nurses in the STAR program will work to improve competencies in four Categories of Excellence: clinical knowledge, innovations, and improvements; transformational leadership; exemplary professional practice; and community growth. The program clearly defines requirements, expectations and activities at different practice levels within the program, offering opportunities to advance along the way from RN Level 1 to RN Levels 2 and 3 by meeting these criteria, with compensation increased as each new level is achieved.
This initiative isn’t just about accolades and driving enthusiasm. It’s about enhancing nursing care across client hospitals, improving recruitment and retention, boosting professional satisfaction, fostering a strong sense of community among Shearwater nurses, and championing the Shearwater vision of direct nursing care.
In a healthcare environment in which the demand for nurses is soaring, Shearwater Health is committed to nurturing the “stars” among us and illuminating the path forward for nursing excellence.
[1] https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/global-nursing/nurse-shortage-branded-a-global-health-emergency-23-03-2023/
[2] https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/global-nursing/nurse-shortage-branded-a-global-health-emergency-23-03-2023/
[3] https://www.icn.ch/news/icn-report-says-shortage-nurses-global-health-emergency
[4]https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/13/health/nurse-burnout-post-pandemic/index.html
[5] https://nurse.org/articles/state-of-nursing-2023/
About Shearwater Health
Because of a shortage of clinicians, it’s often difficult to scale healthcare organizations. Shearwater Health provides teams of remote and onsite clinicians that expand the size and impact of clinical teams so that clients can focus on internal teams practicing at the peak of their license. From bedside to back-office, there are over 4,500 Shearwater clinicians solving medical and administrative problems every hour of every day all over the world. Shearwater combines clinical expertise with Six sigma process excellence and RPA technology to improve healthcare outcomes.
