Nurses and a sweep of challenges
Nurses are the most wanted, most preferred, and most liked professional in the healthcare industry, but recently the problems nurses are facing are countless. Working closely with nurses as a leading recruitment nurses agency in the UK, we thought it is essential to help them come out of these pressing issues of 2022. As we enter into the post-pandemic era now, let’s delve into the most current issues in nursing and figure out solutions to combat them for a more resilient future.
Top 7 problems nurses are facing with solutions
1. Tight shortage of nurses
Hospitals are attempting to stay within their budgets and save money wherever possible. This may result in fewer employees working during peak periods. These cuts have caused huge distress to nurses because they have less assistance while working long hours.
Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that Europe’s existing nursing workforce of 7.3 million is insufficient to meet the needs of an aging population.
Solution:
Working with temporary nurses recruitment agency will give you the liberty to choose your time and convenience. You can even request the recruitment team to place you in comfortable hospitals that do not pressurize you
2. Psychological trauma
COVID-19 caused higher mental health difficulties in nurses and public health workers in 2021. The pandemic claimed many lives and instilled anxiety in all of us, particularly nurses, who were the primary caregivers for COVID-19 patients.
When we thought things settled down for good, the pandemic is slowly springing up again. This has again caused mental trauma among nurses and could be one of the reasons why so many nurses choose to leave their careers and pursue something else.
Solution:
With booster vaccines coming up, keep yourself immunized. Follow all safety protocols and keep yourself safe and sound. Do not overstress yourself. Make sure you’re well-rested before starting your work week by obtaining at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night, eating regular meals, and enjoying some well-deserved time off. To de-stress, go for a walk. Make time for friends and family, and plan events on your days off to help you get through the work week and those long shifts.
3. Rising patient expectations
Patients always have had high expectations, which nurses have usually handled efficiently. But due to funding and personnel constraints at present, they are not able to achieve them. This plays a great deal of stress on nurses, who are frequently responsible for a large number of patients. Hearing that their patients are dissatisfied with their quality of care can have a detrimental impact on nurses’ morale and put them under a lot of stress.
Solution:
Hospitals have to assist nurses by ensuring that there are enough nurses on shift to provide extra support to everyone. However, nurses must also care for themselves, as work-related stress can lead to health problems.
4. Underpaid
Many nurses believe their pay/hourly rates are too low in comparison to what they are expected to do.
The nurse-to-patient ratios must be met by both nursing homes and hospitals, according to industry norms and regulations.
Working longer than you’re supposed to or completing the work of two nurses all by yourself can have an impact on the quality of care you provide. This challenge may jeopardize your health because weariness might develop very soon.
Solution:
Communication is therefore essential. Let your hospital authority know that healthcare facilities and providers should be putting in place systems and policies to support their nurses. Employers should encourage their nurses to work in a good environment. They should compensate you for your efforts.
5. Last-minute shift cancellations
If you work as an independent nurse, you may find yourself in situations when your shift has been canceled at the last minute. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as finding cover elsewhere or covering the shift with internal employees.
This can be incredibly aggravating because it may interfere with your job plans and expectations.
Solution:
The solution here is to develop a good relationship with your boss so that you may express your displeasure in these situations and reduce the likelihood of this happening again.
6. Burnout and stress in the workplace
Long hours and little sleep can have varied effects on different people. Nurses frequently suffer from burnout and weariness as a result of working long hours and, in some cases, back-to-back shifts.
This can lead to their making medical errors while on duty in some situations. This is one of the nursing issues we want to prevent at all costs, since it can result in an inability to work and even depression.
Solution:
Take a deep breath. Make sure you’re well-rested before starting your work week by obtaining at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night, eating regular meals, and enjoying some well-deserved time off.
7. Workplace risks
You work with needles, sharp tools, and heavy machinery on a regular basis. To help avoid accidents, all employees should be adequately trained and obey all rules and regulations to avoid injuring themselves or their coworkers.
Solution:
Any potential dangers should be addressed right away. Wet floors, for example, can result in significant injuries. It’s common for nurses to forget to inspect the floor for potential hazards, but wearing the proper footwear can help lessen the risk of an accident. Healthcare shoes with effective slip-resistant grip are ideal for staying on your feet on slick flooring. Choosing the right nursing shoes with long-lasting, slip-resistant is necessary. They not only protect you while walking but also keep your feet, ankles, and joints pain-free while allowing you to perform at your best.
Register with a nurses recruitment agency that works for you
By registering with an NHS favorite nurses recruitment agency like JP Medicals, you can work stress-free as an independent nurse! For additional information, please contact us by phone at 0161 4640906, 07886427616, or email at info@jpmedicals.co.uk. Our team would be happy to guide you.
