In this edition, we’re taking a closer look at youth and the future, especially the future of health care. The topic is more important now than ever before. Our features on the inaugural FSU/Winter Haven Hospital psychology interns and the new Center for Nursing Excellence at South Florida State College follow just two of many ongoing efforts being executed to shore up nursing shortages and gaps in health care.
The recently released 2022 Trends in Nurse Staffing survey laid bare some pretty grim numbers, making clear the need to enact change. The study, which looks at the crisis from the perspective of hospital leadership, cites retirements, burnout, lack of resources, and opportunities away from the bedside as contributing factors.
Also among the findings:
- More than 25% of hospital executives report having more than 100 RN openings, an increase from 2021, when 11% said they would have 100 openings or more.
- 58% of those who responded anticipate having more than 25 RN openings this year.
- A higher percent of respondents this year say they are counting on new graduates, staffing agencies, and outside agencies in order to fill their positions
- In addition, executives are turning to external advertising, sign-on bonuses, improved pay, and expanded internal recruitment in higher numbers than in years past.
- The consensus is that the effects of the strain that COVID-19 put on the nursing profession will continue to be seen for years to come.
All of this just makes the efforts to enhance education and bring more to the field that much more important. We’ll be here every step of the way to cheer them on.
