The world we live in is currently facing a serious problem. There is a huge shortage of nursing staff in medical facilities, which is putting a lot of pressure on the existing staff. Now, this is something we were not aware of up until recently.
In January 2022, a report was published by the International Centre for Nurse Migration that showed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global nursing workforce. It mentioned that we might need around 13 million more nurses by the end of 2030. These statistics, when compared to the current nursing workforce, which is around 28 million, showed us the seriousness of this issue.
So, what can be done to solve this issue?
The Problem
The shortage of nurses has created a global health emergency across the world. As a result of this, the workers in the medical field are being overworked, burned out, and underpaid, which further demotivates other potential candidates. Communities nationwide are being adversely impacted by this, and the ageing population further emphasises the importance of skilled and qualified nurses.
Especially in the times of a global pandemic when there are layoffs and dip in hiring, nurses are needed more than ever. According to the World Health Organization, the world needs millions more nurses to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.c on health financing and workforce.
The nursing shortage is not the only problem. There is also the challenge of preparing skilled and qualified nurses who can provide a high standard of care. The current nursing programs take a lot of time to provide the degree, which is discouraging for most students.
To deal with the nursing shortage, hospitals, and nursing schools are working towards creating sustainable and faster solutions. Additional investments and better options are needed if we really want to handle this issue effectively.
The ABSN Program
There are no shortcuts to success unless you are someone with a bachelor’s degree who wants to pursue a career in nursing. Keeping in mind that the world is currently facing a huge nursing shortage, accelerated BSN programs are a great initiative to motivate people who are looking to switch careers and have a passion for nursing.
ABSN, or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a course that students can pursue after finishing their bachelor’s degree. The credits they earned while getting their previous degree can be leveraged, reducing the time it would take to complete the nursing degree.
According to Rockhurst University, several educational institutions in the U.S., are now implementing online ABSN programs to create awareness and a shortcut for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields are want to pursue a career in healthcare.
Online accelerated BSN programs are faster and more affordable than other traditional nursing courses, making them a great way to enter the field of nursing. Students applying to these courses don’t need any prior medical experience. They learn everything they would in a traditional nursing course, but faster.
The Solution
The ABSN course has done a great job of motivating and encouraging students to shift their careers and choose nursing as a profession. This is something our world really needs right now. The main reason why people refrain from choosing nursing as a career is the fear of overworking and stress. Not to mention the effort and time it takes to earn their degree and get a practicing license.
With the introduction of ABSN programs, this issue is no more a hindrance between the willing students and their nursing careers. The course format makes it easy for students to complete their studies in a flexible way. This high-quality program can get them the same degree in half the time.
Students can complete their coursework while being in their comfort zone and gain hands-on experience in a specially designed simulation lab. This can be a much-needed motivation for willing candidates who have a passion for nursing but were unsure of the procedure. This course has made the nursing career accessible, and therefore, we can expect more skilled nurses in the future.
Conclusion
Nursing is a noble and respectable career. It’s true that today there is a shortage of people in this line of work. However, with proper resources and awareness, this issue can be solved eventually. Our ailing world can never have too many helping hands.
With the decrease in nursing staff all over the world, getting jobs in this field is relatively easy for a skilled professional. If you are someone with a passion for healthcare and nursing, you must consider an ABSN course. It will give you better career opportunities and a chance to pursue your dream.
