Reasons, consequences, and suggested solutions for nursing workforce shortage

Abstract

Nurses are an integral part of the health care system. Studies have shown that when hospitals and other health facilities have the right number of nurses, it improves patient safety, mortality rates, and overall patient outcomes. The lack of nurses is a complex problem with several causes. There are many aspects to play, from the aging population of nurses, fatigue from work overload, stressful working environment, low wages and work dissatisfaction.  The combination of these factors causes a shortage of nurses and causes them to grow over time. The mental and physical pressure on nurses can increase their burnt out and is the main reason for the hectic retraction of nurses from their professions. This literature review is discussing the main reasons for the nursing shortage, and its negative impact on health systems and patient care, then finally discusses the solutions for this problem from the literature.