The uphill battle to bring the next generation of nurses: challenges & solutions
With the nursing shortage brought about by the healthcare workforce crisis, medical facilities must elevate their nursing recruitment strategies. Understaffing remains a problem in the current healthcare system. More than affecting the quality of care given to patients, the nurse shortage problem also affects institutions internally, leading to burnout and high turnover. They should ramp up efforts in bringing new nurses.
What is causing the nursing shortage?
The demand for nurses in the country is strong, especially now that people are taking their health more seriously. Yet, there still seems to be a nursing shortage. Many factors led to this.
High nurse turnover
One reason for the nursing shortage and the healthcare workforce crisis is high turnover. Great resignation in healthcare is happening. Causes of this include work burnout due to understaffing, mismatch in values, lack of reward, and generally, job dissatisfaction.
Aging healthcare workforce population
Every year, the existing nursing population dwindles as experienced nurses hit the age of retirement. Some even choose to retire early. Bringing new nurses to the field is crucial. Healthcare institutions should make nursing recruitment strategies a priority to entice young ones to practice their nursing profession.
Growing demand for specialized care
Nursing specialties provide specialized care to patients with specific needs such as cardiac, pulmonary, and pediatric cases. To practice in these specialties, nurses must have training, certifications, and experience. Due to the aging nursing workforce, there is a need for new nurses to receive training in these specialties.
Nursing shortage solutions and nursing recruitment strategies
In order to address the nursing shortage problem, medical institutions must get creative and aggressive with their nursing recruitment strategies. Here are some solutions to nurse recruitment woes.
Use different channels to reach potential nurses
Every year, a fresh batch of nurses gets their licenses. How do medical institutions reach out to these novice nurses? By utilizing different channels! Job forum websites, word of mouth, and social media are great avenues for nurse recruitment. The key is to use various channels to reach a bigger audience.
Practice better nursing recruitment processes
Has your nursing recruitment been slow or inefficient? A quick review of your hiring process can tell you where you went wrong. Improve your nursing recruitment processes. Streamline the process by using digital tools. Ask the right questions during interviews and give attractive offers.
Work on your internal branding
Don’t be a workplace that overworks and underpays nurses. Word of mouth can be very powerful. In fact, if your institution is known for having poor practices, potential employees might get turned off. Implement policies and initiatives that will drive job satisfaction so that many nurses will want to work for you.
Offer just compensation and incentives
While nursing is not just about money, the truth is that it is still a source of livelihood. You can’t expect your nurses to work hard only to get meager pay. Low salaries are among the reasons for the healthcare workforce crisis. Offer salary packages that are within the average rates of your area. Also add in incentives like cash bonuses, gift certificates, or even additional days off.
Highlight work-life balance
All work and no play is among the reasons for nurse burnout which ultimately leads to resignation. Among the best nursing recruitment strategies is to showcase how your institution fosters work-life balance through policies, incentives, and activities.
Allow flexibility in shift scheduling
Another item on the list of attractive nursing recruitment strategies is a flexible work schedule. Give your potential nurses and existing nursing team the chance to choose their preferred shifts. That way, they choose schedules that match their personal lives. For example, a mother who is working as a nurse can choose a shift where she can spend time with her kids. A flexible scheduling system motivates nurses to work diligently.
Encourage professional development
Be a workplace that cultivates a culture of growth and career advancement. Do not just dwell on lip service. Create plans on how you can provide support to novice nurses for easy and smooth transitioning in the workplace. It can be a preceptorship or mentorship program or in-house training.
Support specialty training
Address the demand for nursing specialties by initiating programs and activities that train new nurses. Experienced nurses can teach the new generation how to do their specialized work. Support training, certifications, and post-graduate studies. If there are budget limitations, at least give incentives to those who push for further education.
Invest in technology
Having state-of-the-art technology should not be limited to laboratory services and patient care. Set aside money for technological advances that can ease the work of your nurses. Online databases and information systems, digitally-integrated processes, and artificial intelligence can help new and experienced nurses alike.
Addressing the nursing shortage with nursing recruitment strategies
The nursing shortage can bring many challenges to your medical institution. Counter this by having nursing recruitment strategies that are attractive and effective in bringing new nurses. Be a workplace where nurses would want to work in. Compensate justly, foster work-life balance, encourage professional growth, support specialty training, and invest in technology.