Nursing is a high-pressure job. As a nurse, you have lots of responsibilities: helping patients, assisting in procedures, updating paperwork and much more. Healthcare is incredibly important but there are currently many problems that cause issues for nurses. These are the six biggest problems facing nursing.
1. Staff Shortages
2. Meeting Patient Expectations
3. Long Working Hours
4. Workplace Violence
5. Workplace Hazards
6. Personal Health
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1. Staff Shortages
Hospitals are trying to meet their budgets and save costs wherever they can. This can mean fewer members of staff working at busy times. These cuts are putting greater pressure on staff because they have less support while working long hours.
Fewer nurses means a more hectic workload for the nurses that are on the wards. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the 7.3 million nurses currently working in Europe are not enough to cope with the growing needs of ageing populations.
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2. Meeting Patient Expectations
Patients have very high expectations but because of budget and staffing cuts, nurses can’t always meet these expectations. This puts immense strain on nurses who usually have lots of patients to look after. Hearing their patients are unhappy with their level of service can affect morale and put nurses under a great amount of negative stress.
Hospitals can help nurses by making sure there are enough nurses available on shift so everyone has extra support available. But it's also important that nurses look after themselves as being stressed at work can cause health issues.
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3. Long Working Hours
Long hours and overtime aren’t a new issue. Nurses are repeatedly expected to complete 12-hour shifts with additional overtime too. This problem mainly stems from staff cuts but nurses often stay at work when there’s been a serious accident too.
Although the work done is amazing, it’s vital you take well-deserved breaks. Working as a nurse is physically and emotionally stressful and it's important you have enough time to rest. When you’re exhausted at work, you aren't working your best.
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4. Workplace Violence
Violence towards nurses can range from a verbal attack to something a little more serious. WHO found that between 8% and 38% of health workers have suffered some kind of physical violence during their career.
Although cases are rare, unfortunately they can take place which is why nurses receive extensive training so you’re prepared for these situations. Hospitals have risk assessments and control measures in place to ensure you know what to do when someone is acting violently.
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5. Workplace Hazards
You regularly work with needles, sharp tools and heavy equipment. To help avoid accidents, all staff should be trained properly and always follow rules and regulations to ensure they aren't injured, along with their colleagues.
Any potential hazards should be dealt with immediately. For example, wet floors can cause serious accidents. As nurses are busy, it's easy to forget to check the floor for potential dangers but wearing appropriate footwear can help reduce the chance of an accident happening. Healthcare shoes with effective slip-resistant grip are excellent on slippery floors and help you stay on their feet.
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6. Personal Health
Working in healthcare is a stressful occupation and can cause stress-related health problems. It's important for you to relax and take time away from work to help you unwind.
Along with being mentally exhausting, working as a nurse is physically strenuous. Many nurses suffer from back problems and sore feet. Working 12-hour shifts is physically demanding but wearing specially-designed shoes can ease problems and keep nurses on their feet at all times.
Healthcare shoes are created specifically for healthcare professionals. They provide slip-resistant grip, comfortable insoles and excellent support - features you need when working in a hospital.
Find the Perfect Nursing Shoes
The right pair of work shoes are durable, slip-resistant and comfortable. They’ll protect your feet, ankle and joints from any pain and allow you to perform to the highest standards.