Reference no: EM133838030
Assignment:
POST A TWO-PARAGRAPH RESPONSE TO THIS POST: Healthcare and its competing needs of the workforce and resources
One of the most pressing issues in healthcare today is the shortage of healthcare workers, which has significantly impacted the nation. With baby boomers retiring and many healthcare professionals leaving the field due to burnout and work overload, there needs to be more staff or training programs to replace them. This situation creates hardships for both healthcare workers and patients. Kelly and Porr (2018) note that healthcare organizations often prioritize business models over patient care, which can silence nurses' voices and contribute to their burnout. However, nurses are ethically responsible for advocating for their patients and speaking out against injustices and unsafe working conditions.
Advocating for Mental Health Care
One area heavily affected by the shortage is mental health. Emergency rooms are overwhelmed with patients seeking help for substance use disorders, suicide attempts, and mental health crises. The complex needs of these patients further strain an already short-staffed environment, leaving healthcare workers overwhelmed and burned out. Many healthcare facilities are under-resourced and lack trained professionals to effectively address these issues. The American Nurses Association (2015) emphasizes that nurses, as patient advocates, must raise their voices to resolve these challenges. If advocacy efforts fail, nurses have an ethical duty to dissociate from organizations that compromise patient care.
Governmental Policies and Supporting Healthcare Organizations
Ultimately, the government bears responsibility for supporting the healthcare system (World Health Organization, n.d.). It must also promote policies that address workforce challenges. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which provides loan repayment and scholarships for professionals working in underserved areas, could be extended to include mental health providers. Expanding training programs and funding for community-based mental health services would alleviate pressure on emergency rooms and improve patient outcomes.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements Silver Spring, MD: Author.
Kelly, P., & Porr, C. (2018). Ethical nursing care versus cost containment: Considerations to enhance RN practice. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(1), Manuscript 6.
HRCHC. (n.d.). National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program. HRCHC.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). The role of government in supporting health. World Health Organization.