Pediatric Nursing - Stress and Burnout (1)

[nurselittlek]

Hi everyone -- When you have a chance take a few minutes and introduce yourself to the rest of the group. Some information you might like to share could include years in nursing, type of nursing currently working in or interested in, and family structure/dynamics if applicable. Feel free to share as much or as little as your comfortable with....

As many of you know the nursing shortage is a huge topic of discussion around the country and the US Department of Health and Human Services predicted a shortage of 600,000 nurses by this year. In addition, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education & Practice had found that in 2000 almost 500,000 licensed RNs were not working in the field of nursing. With those numbers in mind please read the following questions and provide your thoughts on our "shortage."

1) In your facility is there a shortage of nurses?

2) What has your facility done to fix this problem?

3) If present, do you think this shortage of staff makes your work environment more stressful?

4) Why do you think people aren't entering the field of nursing?

5) Why do you think RNs are leaving the profession?

6) What can be done to fix this problem?

Thanks and look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts.:monkeydance:

[mimin]

Hi to all.I have been a nurse since 1984.I work in a large NICU..and I see we do have a shortage.We use many travelers..and many times we'd be sunk without them.I do think the shortage makes it more stressful.

I know -for me...I see people with many years less experience than me,making almost as much money as I do,which makes it frustrating.I think sometimes this can make others leave the field...(and it does frustrate me sometimes too)

Almost feel like schools need to offer some type of incentive for Nursing school...pay for books..or some other type of incentive.

I'd be interested to here everyone elses thoughts and ideas also...

[nurselittlek]

that's a great point -- do you think there's a way to reward those who stay in one place and are committed? or do you think we will continue to see the financial benefits go to travelers and those who are per diem?