NURS 6053 Week 3 Assignment: Developing Organizational Policies and Practices
NURS 6053 Week 3 Assignment. Developing Organizational Policies and Practices
Identify and describe at least two competing needs impacting your selected healthcare issue/stressor.
Describe a relevant policy or practice in your organization that may influence your selected healthcare issue/stressor.
Critique the policy for ethical considerations, and explain the policy’s strengths and challenges in promoting ethics.
Recommend one or more policy or practice changes designed to balance the competing needs of resources, workers, and patients, while addressing any ethical shortcomings of the existing policies. Be specific and provide examples.
Cite evidence that informs the healthcare issue/stressor and/or the policies.
NURS 6053 Week 3 Assignment Answer
Addressing the Shortage of Registered Nurses through Organizational Policies and Practices
The nursing profession in the United States is confronted with a pressing issue – a shortage of registered nurses (RNs). Projections indicate a 7% growth in the RN workforce, from 3 million RNs in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2019). Anticipating an annual increase of 175,900 RN vacancies through 2029, factors such as turnover rates, retirements, and the aging baby boomer population contribute to this shortage.NURS 6053 Week 3 Assignment
Competing Needs Influencing RN Shortage
Two conflicting needs play a significant role in shaping the RN shortage landscape: the imperative for healthcare organizations to provide quality care at a reduced cost. The challenge arises from the often-correlated nature of high-quality care with elevated healthcare expenses. Striking a balance between maintaining an adequate number of RNs, crucial for delivering quality patient care, and managing costs becomes a complex task (Abhicharttibutra et al., 2017). Some organizations, in an attempt to mitigate expenses, may hire fewer nurses than required, leading to increased turnover and reliance on costly travel and temporary nursing solutions (Haddad & Toney-Butler, 2019).NURS 6053 Week 3 Assignment
Ethical Considerations and Proposed Healthcare Policy
The ethical considerations of addressing RN shortages involve ensuring fair and reasonable working conditions for nurses. Implementing policies like mandatory overtime and increased workloads for existing nurses can adversely impact patient care quality and staff well-being. Therefore, a comprehensive healthcare policy is needed to strike a balance between financial constraints and quality care. This policy should focus on targeted recruitment strategies, investment in nursing education, and fostering a supportive work environment to attract and retain qualified nursing professionals.
In conclusion, the multifaceted nature of the RN shortage necessitates a strategic and ethical approach to organizational policies, emphasizing the need for a healthcare policy that harmonizes the competing demands on healthcare organizations (References: AACN, 2019; Abhicharttibutra et al., 2017; Haddad & Toney-Butler, 2019).
