The nursing shortage: dynamics and solutions. A response from an educational perspective.
The dynamics underlying the current shortage of nurses are complex and embedded in a historical heritage of relative deprivation in terms of status, decision making, and resource allocation. Within this context the work of nurses has been largely invisible and lightly regarded. Challenging the status quo and proactively striving to create opportunities that empower nurses for greater risk taking, flexibility, and tolerance for differences will enhance nursing. Nursing education has a unique responsibility to provide socialization experiences that promote collegiality and self-confidence. Educational opportunities need to be planned to attract potential students who are currently underrepresented in nursing. The future of nursing is unlimited in its potential for nurses themselves and the people for whom we care, provided the professional maturity that supports full collegial partnership in the delivery of health care is achieved.
Martin
C E
CE
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000639:trends; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009729:Nursing; D012201:Reward; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce