Question

Is the nursing shortage a fact or a myth? Why? How would you measure nursing shortage? Do you think the mandatory nurse-to-patient ratio is a good idea? What would be the possible consequences

Answer 1

Nursing shortage is considered as a fact, there was a definite shortage of nurses it can be evident in the way the nurses were working and how the hospitals were running. The main reason behind the shortage of nurses in unavailability of the trained nurses. Most of them may not be able to work for a long time and some of them will be on maternity leave or other kind of vacation. All these factors can contribute to the shortage.

The nursing shortage can be measured with the help of nurse patient ratio in the hospital. How many patients are available for the patient at a given point of time? If the nurse patient ratio turns to the higher side, it will be difficult for the nurses to manage the patient, and it can lead decrease the quality of care provided by the nurses. Sometimes it can lead to medical negligence and further complication. Another problem with high nurse patient ratio is that the nurses will have some medical complications and they won’t be able to function properly. These things can eventually add up to the complication and the ratio will be more, as the nurses who are available may not be able to work for the hospital. Another adequate off and rest period are necessary for every health person, it can be provided only when there is an adequate staff strength for the hospital