I. Introduction: U.S. has a growing nursing shortage (Rosseter, 2009)
A. Baby Boomers aging, increased need for healthcare
B. U.S. nursing shortage is projected to grow to 260,000 registered nurses by 2025
C. American Health Care Association report from July 2008 shows over 19,400 RN vacancies in long-term care settings and 116,000 more open positions in hospitals
D. Total RN vacancies in the U.S. number more than 135,000, a national RN vacancy rate of 8.1%
E. In March 2008, the Council on Physician and Nurse supply stated that 30,000 more nurses need to graduate annually to meet the nation's healthcare needs; this is 30% over the current number of nurses graduating annually
II. Supply and demand description of models (Lovell, 2006, p. 11)
A. Increase in demand plus economic pressures raise number of nurses needed above number in practice
B. Shortage occurs, driving up wages
C. Training programs increase
III. Best Practices ("Best Practices for Recruitment and Retention of Workers," 2010)
2. Incentive and bonus packages
1. Establishment of staffing ratios that mandate "a minimum ratio of RNs to patients" and control of the ratio of RNs to lesser-trained hospital staff
2. Factors that influence staffing levels:
a. Autonomy, control, physician relationships
b. Faith and confidence in peers and managers
c. Emotional exhaustion
d. Job satisfaction
e. Quality of patient care
1. Nurses work 0 to 1 weekend per month
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