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Nursing is an extremely rewarding and respected profession, but it is not without challenges. Over the years, some challenges facing nurses have changed somewhat, while others have remained the same. The good news is that these challenges can be overcome through good planning, teamwork, and self-awareness.
Here are a few of the more common challenges the nurses of today face and a few ways they are being addressed.
Shortage of medical professionals
There is an ongoing shortage of qualified medical professionals at all levels of the medical system. Nurses, in particular, are in short supply no matter their specialty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurses decided to pursue other professions, or if they were close to retirement, they left the workforce entirely.
The large aging adult population may be the largest factor leading to nursing shortages. There has never been such a large generation of people needing medical care, and the situation will worsen before it gets better. More adults are living longer, and as a result, they often live for decades with chronic conditions that need consistent treatment.
Increasing demands for primary care providers is yet another factor. While it is overwhelmingly positive that so many people now have access to adequate and affordable health insurance coverage, more people seek a primary care doctor for regular healthcare visits.
A shortage of nurses means that those working in the healthcare field are expected to take care of high patient volumes at times. This can make it harder to provide the level of care expected of nurses and patients alike.
Along with these modern challenges, there are also modern solutions emerging. For example, technology such as electronic monitoring systems, delivery robots, smart bandages, and good scheduling practices are all helpful. Furthermore, nurses sometimes help out other departments than the one they are assigned to when there is a great need.
More patients with substance abuse problems
Unfortunately, the rate of substance abuse has skyrocketed. The rise during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly alarming. Patients suffering from the effects of substance abuse may be prone to lashing out verbally and physically. The personal safety of nurses is a major concern at medical facilities. Training on how to deal with substance abuse patients who seek care or are brought into emergency rooms (ERs) helps prevent some workplace violence, but it cannot eliminate the risk.
It can be challenging to accurately diagnose issues in patients who are addicted to substances because symptoms of addiction can mimic other health issues. The topic of substance abuse can be hard to approach with family members and loved ones of patients as well.
The availability of psychiatric care providers and substance abuse treatment options can be very challenging. Barriers due to income are a major factor when a patient needs professional help with a substance abuse problem. It is difficult to place patients in treatment facilities due to financial reasons and a lack of availability.
Lack of self-care and support networks
It is easy for nurses to try to take on more responsibility and neglect their care. For nurses to provide their patients with a high level of care, they need to take good care of their physical and mental health.
Taking time to relax and do something for pure enjoyment is important for a successful nurse who wishes to make a long-term career. Taking a walk with a friend or loved one at least a few times a week, reading a good book, or crafting are all enjoyable things that may help nurses distress during the workweek or during time off.
Eating well can be hard when juggling work and family life. A few minutes of prepping healthy snacks to eat throughout the day can go a long way to boosting nurses’ mental and physical health.
Feeling adequately supported has a strong influence on a nurse’s mental health and wellbeing, too. The importance of various professional nursing associations is a fact that many nursing students at Rockhurst University are taught. Online nursing degree programs allow nurses to learn on a schedule that suits their lifestyle. A nursing association can help them network with other students and support each other while earning degrees. Rockhurst offers accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees and advanced degrees for practicing Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to advance their career.
Cultural misunderstandings
More areas of the US are becoming increasingly diverse. So, it is important for nurses and other medical professionals to make an effort to be more culturally aware. Diversity and cultural awareness training is becoming more common at mid to large-size medical facilities.
Common issues include not speaking the same language. Therefore, it is strongly beneficial for nurses to consider learning a secondary language. In the US, being fluent in Spanish can help nurses provide care faster and with fewer misunderstandings to Spanish-speaking populations. Speaking a mutual language also helps establish trust between patients, caregivers, and their families.
Some religions and cultures influence the type of care a patient receives. This must be respected, even if the nurse strongly feels it is not beneficial to the patient to refuse specific care or treatments. Learning about the most common types of situations that can arise can help nurses navigate caring for these patients and avoid misunderstandings or perceived slights.
Conclusion
Nursing is a great career option for anyone who loves to work with others and help people from different backgrounds. All professions have their challenges, and nursing is no exception. Acknowledging challenges and creating realistic plans for overcoming them is important for all medical professionals. Now is a great time for interested individuals to consider nursing as a career, no matter what job they might currently hold.
