Effective Approaches of Leaders and Managers Towards Nursing Shortage and Turn-Over

Effective Approaches in Leadership and Management
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Nursing Shortage and Nurse Turn-Over
I. Introduction
In this essay, I will analyze the strategies and approaches of leaders and managers towards the nursing issue of Nursing Shortage and Nurse Turn-Over. The United States has been facing a nursing deficit and a nurse turn-over of varying degrees. Currently, it happens because of a nursing workforce that is advancing in age, the increasing prevalence of chronic disease, the limited capacity of nursing schools, and an aging population. This shortage is on the cusps of becoming a calamity with serious repercussions for healthcare providers and patients alike. Due to the seriousness of this issue, I believe it is time for managers and leaders to seek ways of alleviating it. The managers and leaders in hospitals should exhibit true leadership and motivate nurses.
II. Analysis
The issue above, “Nursing Shortage and Nurse Turn-Over” can be approached in various ways. First, this issue will not cease to exist until leaders get involved and put themselves in the position that nurses are in. My point is, to effectively solve the issue of nursing deficits; leaders must view the issue from the nurses’ perspectives (Stone, 2011). This means that leaders and managers must attempt to identify the main reasons behind the nursing deficit. To successfully identify the reasons behind the nursing deficit, managers and leaders should conduct the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of the issue. The nursing leaders and managers should try and get answers to the following questions:
* Why are so many nurses leaving the profession? Could the pressure of the work be causing them to leave?
* How do nurses want to advance their careers? What do nurses desire to gain from their profession?
The issues should be tackled scientifically. For instance, the aim of the leaders and managers should be to meet the expectations of nurses. Commitment and motivation are two key elements that can significantly influence the lives of nurses. In the article titled Nurses’ Work Motivation: Essence and Associations, Toode emphasizes that nurses will not work unless they are motivated (2015). Leaders and managers must work to discover new ways in which nurses will remain motivated and satisfied. Another reason fueling the nursing shortage is that people give little or no consideration and respect for nurses. Nurses work tirelessly, without ceasing, to ensure the proper recovery of patients. At times, nurses go as far as compromising on their personal lives to ensure their patients are in good health. Nurses are not treated as fairly as they should. Therefore, treating them better would be an effective way of tackling the nursing shortage.
I believe that nursing leaders and managers should adopt a comprehensive approach when managing nurses. Nurses should not be treated or regarded as resources that can offer certain services; instead, nurses should be regarded and treated as integral members of an entire healthcare system. While the focus on leadership has been historically confined to individuals who occupy managerial positions...