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Nursing shortage redux: turning the corner on an enduring problem
1University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, USA.
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Addressing the projected nursing shortage requires focusing on retention. Analysis reveals that workforce losses, low wages, and job dissatisfaction impede increasing the nursing supply. Improving working conditions is key to revitalizing the nursing workforce.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Workforce Studies
- Nursing Economics
Background:
- Significant nursing workforce shortages are projected within the next decade.
- Current strategies primarily focus on increasing the supply of nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze factors affecting the registered nurse workforce supply.
- To identify key impediments to bolstering the nursing workforce.
- To propose effective strategies for nursing workforce revitalization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the National Sample Surveys of Registered Nurses (1992-2000).
Main Results:
- Increasing losses from the active nursing workforce were observed.
- Stagnant wages and low job satisfaction were identified as major impediments.
- Current supply-focused strategies may be insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Retention strategies focusing on working conditions and job satisfaction are crucial.
- A balanced approach incorporating retention is necessary for nursing workforce revitalization.
- Addressing root causes of workforce attrition is essential to mitigate future shortages.