The nursing profession has long faced challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified these issues. Staffing shortages and heavy workloads are causing severe burnout among nurses.
A 2022 survey by the American Nurses Foundation found that 75% of nurses felt stressed, frustrated, or exhausted. Over half of these nurses were considering leaving their jobs. Sadly, there’s no sign of improvement.
The shortage of nurses has been a persistent issue, becoming more evident after the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2021, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that over 100,000 nurses left the profession.
As more nurses leave, those remaining face increasing patient loads, leading to more burnout and putting patient safety at risk. Research shows that each additional patient per nurse increases the in-hospital mortality rate by 19%.
The “Silver Tsunami” Effect
The aging baby boomer generation will need more healthcare while also contributing to the nursing shortage. By 2030, 42 out of 50 states are expected to face a significant shortfall of nurses, a situation referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.”
The nursing shortage affects the entire healthcare system. A February 2024 report by Chartis warns that up to 418 hospitals might close due to staffing shortages. This is especially critical in states like Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, and Georgia, where many hospitals in rural areas are already struggling.
One potential solution is implementing safe staffing ratios, which means setting a required number of nurses per patient. While this might increase demand for nurses in the short term, it could help reduce burnout and attrition. Currently, only California and Massachusetts have laws on RN staffing ratios. Nine other states, including Ohio, use hospital-based staffing committees, but most hospitals set their own ratios.
Nursing is a vital profession facing significant challenges. To address these issues, we must focus on retaining current nurses and attracting new ones. If we don’t act soon, the situation will worsen, especially with the “Silver Tsunami” approaching. It’s crucial to find solutions that support nurses and ensure quality patient care.