United States (US) NURSING SHORTAGE - Assignment Example

Nursing Shortage in the USA al Affiliation Nursing Shortage in the USA According to different studies, it is projected that the USA will experience a shortage within the medical fraternity in terms of Registered Nurses (RNs). This shortage is subsequently expected to gradually intensify, as the need for health care grows vis-à-vis the aging of the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation. Further compounding the situation, as Rosseter (2014) provides, is the fact that institutions of learning across the nation are struggling to meet the growing demand for healthcare.

This is in terms of capacity given the situational contexts of a national move towards enhanced healthcare reforms best exemplified by the Medicare (Obama-care) Act of 2010. By passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Act aforementioned, the Obama administration achieved a milestone; in regard to expanding Americans’ access to universal healthcare services. Access will also include services provided by both Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and RNs. Accordingly, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) works in collaboration with policy makers, learning institutions, the media and nursing organizations.

This is aimed at bringing general public attention to this concern. Importantly is the fact that policy making ought to consider the aspect of continued growth, in terms of health care needs (Rosseter, 2014). An aging nursing workforce and a diminishing avenue of new nursing student influence this situation. This shortage, it should be noted, is being faced all round the world, with nations enhancing their implementation of various policies towards addressing the issue. Pertinent to the situation is the issue of improved scientific and technological expertise, therefore, only necessitating only the sickest of patients to undergo intense treatment, under hospital stay.

Thus, specialized and skilled work force is greatly in demand abate the lack of optimal supply rate (Littlejohn et al., 2012, p. 23). Unfortunately, in the USA these issues are being experience, just as a major segment of the nursing population is retiring vis-à-vis an expanding health care sector. The result is that health institutions and clinical settings require more nurses especially those skilled in specialized care provision more than ever. Statistically, it was noted that there was an increase in the average age of working registered nurse workforce.

From this aspect, it is predictable for almost half of the nursing population being aged 50 years and above in the near future. Adding to this is the fact that as these registered nurses retire, it is projected that the supply of working RNs will be below optimal requirements by 20% (Littlejohn et al., 2012, p. 24). Thus, as Fox and Abrahamson (2009) allude, majority of American citizens are concerned about the present and future impacts of this nursing shortage especially concerning the universal access of quality healthcare.

This confirms the fact that a majority of Americans overwhelmingly trust, admire and respect the nursing fraternity. This is portrayed by the encouragement given to both family and friends considering a nursing career. Importantly though is the fact that in regard to the existing nursing opportunities available, there is a general lack of knowledge thereby posing a significant barrier in terms of recruitment efforts (Fox & Abrahamson, 2009, pp. 235-36). Because of the shortage, Americans recognize the existing nursing shortage, believing it to be a major crisis.

Moreover, a majority are of the view that the shortage does jeopardize the overall quality of healthcare where those aged 55 and older are sensitive. This is in terms of the negative impacts and effects on quality health care. Ethical concerns also exist in terms of overall treatment of foreign nurses who have gradually filled the shortage witnessed (Fox & Abrahamson, 2009, p. 238). To best tackle this issue, policymaking should, therefore, be considerate of the important role the foreign nurses play according them their due respect, instead of exploitation that is often the case.

Above all, public administration should look into various ways of enhancing the recruitment of more nursing students. This should be collectively intensified in not only the national arena, but also in state, county and local council administrations. Augmenting this is the need of various institutions of learning to further enhance their role-input concerning enhancing student uptake in this very crucial profession (Fox & Abrahamson, 2009, p. 240). Ultimately, there needs to be a greater implementation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in terms of retention and funding.

ReferencesFox, R., & Abrahamson, K. (2009). A critical examination of the U.S. nursing shortage: contributing factors, public policy implications. Nursing Forum, 44(4), 235-44. (doi:10.1111/j.1744-6198.2009.00149.x)Littlejohn, L., Jacquelyn, C., Janice, C. & ThembisileKhayile. (2012). Nursing Shortage: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Nursing, 1(1): 22-27. Retrieved from: www.ijnonline.com/index.php/ijn/article/download/21/pdfRosseter, R. (2014, Apr 24).Nursing Shortage. American Association of Colleges of Nursing [Media Relations], retrieved from: http://www.aacn.nche.

edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage