Most Pressing Issues in Nursing Today

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Was listening to a podcast that said "Within your area of expertise, find a problem and begin to solve it. When you begin doing that, you will begin to find happiness and purpose."

In Post Modern America, what is the most pressing issue we face as nurses? After deciding on an issue, can you come up with a solution or at least a foundation to begin tackling the issue? Excited to hear your responses!

I am not shutting it down at all. Saying something can't and won't change is defeatist.

Really, so being argumentative encourages intellectual discussion? You can explain your position without using perjoratives but that isn't nearly as much fun for you is it? That really won't get you far in this community but have at it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Look at your original post from our point of view. Brand new poster with no credentials besides username posts the following:

In Post Modern America, what is the most pressing issue we face as nurses? After deciding on an issue, can you come up with a solution or at least a foundation to begin tackling the issue? Excited to hear your responses!

Those of us who have been here a while- esp. those of us who are educators, see the hallmarks of a student trying to get someone to do their homework for them. We see this ALL. The. Time.

It smacks of homework- or at least a discussion posting topic. I'm still not convinced it is not. How about a link to the podcast?

OK. Let me ask it differently then. Is there something that has personally bothered you in your 40 year career that you wish you could change and that you think has the ability to change?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Really, so being argumentative encourages intellectual discussion? You can explain your position without using perjoratives but that isn't nearly as much fun for you is it? That really won't get you far in this community but have at it.

I apologize if you thought I was being argumentative. But I was simply stating that I don't believe something can't change. Is nursing really a no-win scenario?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

The problems with nursing cost money to solve and most corporate leaders are simply unwilling to spend the money be it safe staffing, adequate resources, equipment, creating a no lift environment, employee retention. Most admin at the top are content with the way things are and willing to accept the high turnover rather than spend the money needed to create a better, safer high quality hospital system!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
What if nurses were able to provide ways to cut cost and increase quality. This would show value and maybe we would be compensated for that. I think you are being a defeatist. Sounds anticapitalist and neomarxist.

There have already been studies linking low patient-nurse ratios to higher quality care, less mortality and morbidity, fewer complications yet many hospitals are happy to work short and raise staffing ratios to increase profit, safety be damned.

As for capitalism healthcare is more of a monopoly than a true capitalistic system. All the healthcare mergers are lessening choice for both patients and workers. The only one benefiting is the CEO and his buddies when they can use economies of scale to cut costs thereby increasing profits and bonuses for the people at the top. There is no trickle down Reaganomics going on here!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The problems with nursing cost money to solve and most corporate leaders are simply unwilling to spend the money be it safe staffing, adequate resources, equipment, creating a no lift environment, employee retention. Most admin at the top are content with the way things are and willing to accept the high turnover rather than spend the money needed to create a better, safer high quality hospital system!

Totally agree with this. It seems like most administrators are more interested in saving money short term. I think solving some of the issues you mentioned would have long term cost savings. Might take a while though

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There have already been studies linking low patient-nurse ratios to higher quality care, less mortality and morbidity, fewer complications yet many hospitals are happy to work short and raise staffing ratios to increase profit, safety be damned.

As for capitalism healthcare is more of a monopoly than a true capitalistic system. All the healthcare mergers are lessening choice for both patients and workers. The only one benefiting is the CEO and his buddies when they can use economies of scale to cut costs thereby increasing profits and bonuses for the people at the top. There is no trickle down Reaganomics going on here!

So do you think a true capitalist system is the way to go?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
What if nurses were able to provide ways to cut cost and increase quality. This would show value and maybe we would be compensated for that. I think you are being a defeatist. Sounds anticapitalist and neomarxist.

OK, I'll bite. Instead of calling me defeatist, anticapitalist and neomarxist why don't you come up with the magical plan that will convince corporate healthcare to reduce their bottom line in favor of improving working conditions for nurses?

It's not being defeatist. It's being realistic. The giant companies that are by far the predominant owners of healthcare facilities of all kinds have no incentive to improve conditions for nurses. In a number crunching business we are as individuals expendable and fairly easily replaced.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OK, I'll bite. Instead of calling me defeatist, anticapitalist and neomarxist why don't you come up with the magical plan that will convince corporate healthcare to reduce their bottom line in favor of improving working conditions for nurses?

It's not being defeatist. It's being realistic. The giant companies that are by far the predominant owners of healthcare facilities of all kinds have no incentive to improve conditions for nurses. In a number crunching business we are as individuals expendable and fairly easily replaced.

Now that is my original question. What conditions do you want to change? And how do we go about changing them. Let's be specific about which conditions need improved and then maybe we can find a solution

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's best not to feed it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medicine.

Staffing and nurse to patient ratios, how better ratios can improve patient outcomes and safety and in the long run save the healthcare system money

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sometimes in my secret heart of hearts, I wonder if "they" care if our patients get well. Its not like healthy people make money for the industry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment