Addressing the Nursing Workforce Crisis

Jun 4 / Teresa Sanderson RN, CCM
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As nurses, we are facing an unprecedented crisis in our profession. Recent reports indicate that by 2027, approximately 800,000 nurses plan to leave the workforce. While some of these nurses will be retiring, the alarming trend of new graduates quitting the profession within their first two years is a major concern. In fact, 18% of new nurses quit within the first year, and a staggering 33% leave within two years. It is crucial that we examine the root causes of this issue and take action to support both new and experienced nurses.
The primary factors contributing to nurses leaving the profession are burnout, workplace culture, and ineffective leadership. Burnout, a topic we have been discussing for decades, remains the top reason nurses cite for wanting to leave the profession altogether. The demanding nature of nursing, long hours, and high-stress work environments all contribute to this issue. Additionally, being called in on days off when nurses are already exhausted further exacerbates the problem.

Workplace culture also plays a significant role in job satisfaction. Unfortunately, the nursing profession has a reputation for "eating their young," which refers to the mistreatment of new nurses by more experienced colleagues. Experienced nurses working in new or unfamiliar units may also be targets of incivility. It is time for us to take a stand and declare that we will no longer tolerate incivility in our work environment. We must treat each other with respect and professionalism to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all nurses.

Lastly, ineffective leadership is a major contributor to nurses leaving the profession. Many nursing leaders are thrown into their roles with little nursing or leadership experience, and they often lack the necessary training and support to lead effectively. Nurses value consistency in leadership and the ability to build long-term relationships with their managers. High turnover rates among nursing leaders lead to constant changes and instability within nursing teams.

To reverse these trends, we must prioritize nurses' well-being, foster a positive workplace culture, and invest in the development of our nursing leaders. This can be achieved by ensuring nurses have access to dedicated spaces for relaxation and uninterrupted break times. We must also establish a zero-tolerance policy for incivility, unprofessionalism, and bullying. By cultivating a supportive and nurturing environment, we can better retain both new and experienced nurses.

Furthermore, we must implement strategies to cultivate and develop our nursing leaders. This includes providing them with comprehensive training in areas such as budget management, employee relations, and emotional intelligence. By investing in our leaders, we can create a more stable and supportive work environment for all nurses.

At Nurses Feed Their Young, our mission is to improve nursing culture and work environment to create a better future for nursing. We are launching a brand new initiative within the next month, which will provide nursing continuing education, networking events, and leadership training for our members. By bringing together like-minded nurses and providing them with the resources and support they need, we can begin to address the challenges facing our profession.

I invite every nurse to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for nursing and ensure that our profession continues to thrive for generations to come.

Join the waitlist for the Nurses Feed Their Young Community today!

By signing up, you'll be among the first to know when our membership community launches. You'll have access to:

  • Innovative nursing continuing education
  • Networking events with like-minded nurses
  • Leadership and emotional intelligence training
  • A supportive community dedicated to improving the future of nursing

Don't wait for someone else to make a difference. Be a part of the solution and help us create a better work environment for nurses at all levels. Together, we can combat burnout, foster a positive workplace culture, and develop strong nursing leaders.

Take the first step towards a brighter future for nursing. Join the Nurses Feed Their Young Community waitlist now and be at the forefront of this transformative movement. Sign up today at [insert waitlist link] and let's start making a difference together!