Time to solve persistent, pernicious and widespread nursing workforce shortages.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Management
• Nursing Economics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Nursing shortages are a long-standing, widespread global issue, persisting for nearly a century.
• Key contributing factors to these shortages are well-documented and enduring.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing challenges, leading to increased nurse burnout and turnover.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss four primary strategies for addressing persistent and growing nursing shortages.
• To explore the potential of the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for implementing solutions.
• To highlight the need for comprehensive and sustained interventions.

Main Methods:

• This paper is a discussion-based analysis.
• It draws upon international evidence and research.
• The approach synthesizes existing knowledge on nursing workforce challenges.

Main Results:

• Four main strategies are identified: enhancing nurse retention, improving nurse recruitment, encouraging nurses to return to practice, and utilizing international human resources.
• Addressing nursing shortages requires a sustained, combined approach.
• Interventions must consider factors both within and beyond the nursing and healthcare sectors.

Conclusions:

• Effective solutions for nursing shortages necessitate a combination of strategies across various policy domains.
• Addressing the broader social context influencing the nursing workforce is crucial.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its negative impacts, presents a unique opportunity for implementing sustainable reforms to alleviate nursing shortages.