The stresses in the nursing profession are well-documented. In 2021, the nursing workforce in the US saw its biggest decline in 40 years. In 2022, a
survey of almost 30,000 registered and advanced nurses and more than 24,000 licensed practical or vocational nurses found that over 25% of them planned to leave the industry or retire in the next five years, and in March 2023,
45% of inpatient nurses reported that they were likely to leave their jobs within the next six months.
The degree of the problem is such that by 2025, the
projected shortfall of nurses is expected to be approximately 450,000, 20% less than is considered necessary for basic patient care.
The 2022
survey found that most nurses were overwhelmingly and negatively impacted by the pandemic, with 62% of them noting increased workloads and more than 50% feeling emotionally drained. Another
study examining 150,000 reviews written by nurses since that period revealed significant dissatisfaction among them in terms of compensation, workload, toxic culture, and organizational support, and respondents in yet another
survey revealed that 97% of them found managing staff shortages, recruiting, and retaining nurses pose serious challenges for their organizations. All of these are factors that significantly influence anyone’s job satisfaction, and should be seriously addressed among some of the healthcare system’s most vital professionals.
There are viable solutions, though they require some rethinking around staffing, support, and investment.
Tech Enablement
On average, nurses spend 10% to 20% of their time during their 12-hour shifts on tasks that could benefit from
technological optimization. Embracing digital solutions with automation capabilities has the potential to not only streamline tasks but also liberate valuable time for nurses. Rather than merely redistributing workload, strategic investment in technology can enhance efficiency and elevate the quality of patient care.
Offer More Flexibility
Unlocking flexibility in scheduling can be a pivotal factor. Considering their often unpredictable schedules, granting nurses more autonomy in scheduling not only enhances their quality of life but also ensures that the nurses present each day are genuinely motivated to be there.
A Single Source for Satisfaction
Shearwater Health offers forward-thinking solutions. Deploying remote and onsite clinician teams allows healthcare professionals to work at peak of license and foster heightened job satisfaction. Notably, our Bedside Nurse Staffing service facilitates optimal nurse-to-patient ratios to alleviate workload-related stress and empowers nurses to prioritize patient care, mitigating the risk of burnout.
Our Clinical Process Outsourcing (CPO®) seamlessly integrates clinical expertise with flexible support modes and adherence to compliance. Outsourcing administrative tasks, such as documentation and charting, enables nurses to dedicate more time to bedside care and emotional support. The result not only enhances patient satisfaction but nurses’ job satisfaction, too. Even more importantly, it ultimately creates a more resilient, supportive and stable healthcare environment.
