Nursing Shortage: Contributing Factors and Workforce Retention Solutions

Factors Contributing to the Nursing Shortage

Major contributing factors include the aging population increasing healthcare demand, an aging workforce with one-third projected to retire in 10-15 years, nurse burnout increasing turnover rates, career and family considerations, regional disparities, and workplace violence resulting in physical and emotional abuse (Haddad et al., 2023). Nursing faculties train fewer nurses due to resource limitations, and higher growth anticipated in Mountain and West Regions puts additional pressure on nursing populations.

Workforce Retention Solutions

The nursing profession is working toward resolution by enhancing workforce retention through governmental, regulatory, and organizational policies. Practical solutions include ensuring nurses work shifts aligned with individual lifestyles and preferences, management ensuring work follows organizational guidelines, and policy improvement addressing violence and bullying (Peters, 2023).

References

• Haddad, L. M., et al. (2023). Nursing shortage. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175/
• Peters, M. (2023). Time to solve persistent nursing workforce shortages. International Nursing Review, 70(2), 247-253. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/inr.12837