Critical Factors Influencing Nursing Essay

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Personally, I believe the three most critical factors that influence nursing/healthcare organizations today is technology, shortage of healthcare providers, and available resources/funding. The first critical factor influencing nursing/healthcare organizations is the shortage of healthcare providers. According to the National Rural Health Association (2012),“The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of 124,000 full-time physicians by 2025” (p. 2). The shortage of nurses is also expected to increase. Currently, “There are 19,400 RN vacancies in long-term care settings, according to the American Health Care Association, and 116,000 open positions in hospitals, as reported by the American Hospital Association” (National Advancements in technology have improved patient safety, health outcomes, and assists with monitoring patient’s health conditions. Recently, I worked on a medical-telemetry floor, and the hospital was experimenting with a new device to improve hand hygiene for healthcare providers. Every time a healthcare provider exited or entered a patient’s room, we required to either wash hands or use hand sanitizer within 10 seconds of entry and exiting. If we did not wash our hands, the light on our name badge would turn red and start beeping until we performed proper hand hygiene. The sensors on the device would detect when we were standing in front of the sink in the patient 's room and required us to wash our hands for at least 15 seconds, or the alarm would buzz on our name badge. At first I did not like this device because, if I just stepped in the door to check on the patient and/or just spoke with them without touching anything, we were still required to use hand sanitizer or wash our hands. After a while, I realized how this advancement in technology is an excellent thing. After all, “Proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of infection. About 80% of common infections are spread by healthcare workers, patients and visitors” (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2013, p. 1). Healthcare organizations utilizing technology that promotes proper hand hygiene is an excellent way to (2007). Impact Of The Nurse Shortage On Hospital Patient Care: Comparative Perspectives. Health Affairs, 6(3), 853-862. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.26.3.853 DesRoches, C., Donelan, K., Buerhaus, P., & Zhonghe, L. (2008). Registered Nurses ' Use of Electronic Health Records: Findings From a National Survey. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/574733_2 HealthIt.Gov. (2015, July 30). Benefits of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/benefits-electronic-health-records-ehrs National Rural Health Association. (2012). Health Care Workforce Distribution and Shortage Issues in Rural America. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/bequettek.ELPrinLaptop/Downloads/HealthCareWorkforceDistributionandShortageJanuary2012.pdf Public Health Agency of Canada. (2013). Healthcare-Associated Infections—Due Diligence. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-respcacsp/2013/infections-eng.php Takvorian, S. (n.d.). A Reporter 's Toolkit: Health Information Technology. Retrieved from

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