There has been a notable shift in the workforce due to the extraordinary problems the nursing profession is currently confronting. It is estimated that almost one-fifth of the 4.5 million registered nurses will want to retire by 2027. It is critical to comprehend the primary elements impacting nurses’ decisions to remain in their current roles as the healthcare business struggles with this dynamic paradigm. We explore the top nine criteria nurses have highlighted in this article, providing insight into the essential elements that influence their career decisions and impact nursing retention.

What difficulties do nurses face?

Nurse difficulties are challenging circumstances, events, or demands typical of the nursing field. These difficulties encompass mental, emotional, and physical experiences brought on by the unique demands of the nursing profession.

Eight difficulties facing nurses

Among the difficulties faced by nurses in their line of work are the following:

1. Extended shifts: Typically, nurses work 8- or 12-hour shifts. These shifts often end up longer once all the required charting and shift change procedures have been completed. Burnout can result from working so long hours because it can be physically and mentally exhausting. Get as much rest as you can during your off-duty hours to help ward off burnout and sustain fatigue. Making a plan in advance will make it easier to balance running daily errands and finding time to relax and recover between shifts.
2. Modifying timetables: It can be challenging to get used to the schedule when nurse shifts fluctuate weekly. For instance, a nurse might work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for one week and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following week. Scheduling irregularities can disrupt sleep cycles, so obtaining as much sleep as possible in between shifts is critical. Make an effort to fit in personal visits and other commitments throughout a lengthy vacation. Additionally, you can let your loved ones know when you will be working complex shifts for several weeks in advance so they won’t have irrational expectations of you.
3. Emotional connection: Nursing is a personal and fulfilling profession. In contrast to many other professions, nurses develop strong emotional attachments to their patients, which can be a taxing burden over a long period. As a nurse, ensure you have a solid support network at home, including friends or family, with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, you will typically have access to support resources from your company, particularly following a traumatic incident or after overcoming a significant event. To assist you in processing your experiences and finding healthy, productive ways to deal with your emotions, you can also get in touch with close friends, family, and licenced counsellors.
4. Physical requirements: Throughout their shifts, nurses frequently have to carry out physically taxing tasks like helping to move, elevate, and reposition patients. Transporting bulky items. Spending a lot of time standing with little break. An injury may result from the body being regularly strained in this way. Always use safe lifting techniques to reduce these dangers, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. To keep your body strong, resilient, and flexible—all of which will make it easier to perform physical tasks—try to exercise regularly.
5. Disease and chemical exposure: Nurses are more likely than the general public to be exposed to germs since they care for sick people. This may make them more vulnerable to getting sick. In addition to potentially dangerous substances for sanitizing and cleaning, nurses may handle various drugs. The following safety procedures should always be followed by nurses when handling patients or dangerous materials:

• Putting on personal protection equipment (ppe) like masks, gowns, gloves, and goggles
• Examining the operating manuals for all equipment and chemicals
• Correct disposal of sharp things
• Labelling all containers and specimens appropriately

6. Insufficient nursing staff: There needs to be more nurses in the countries. Although this dramatically increases job security, it also requires more nurses to complete the task! Occasionally, this leads to nurses working longer hours due to insufficient staffing. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities may even ask nurses to work more shifts or longer hours when they need more patient care personnel for the entire shift. Investigate the overtime and scheduling rules of the organizations you are interviewing with to prevent burnout. Ask the nurses who staff these locations about their overtime policies. Additionally, you may look for nurse jobs at private clinics or administrative roles that provide more standard hours.
7. Adapting to technology: Nursing professionals may need to acquire new software and programmes due to technological advancements regularly. Professionals who need to be tech-savvy may find it challenging to learn new systems, significantly when it adds to their already demanding workload. Ensure you attend training or, if necessary, request additional training to assist you feel comfortable using new technologies. Before you grasp the programmes and can use them independently, ask questions.
8. Patients’ poor treatment: While attempting to give care, nurses may encounter unkind treatment from their patients or the relatives of their patients. These actions, which can be verbal or physical, can have a significant effect on a nurse’s workplace. Patients may not react well to you due to miscommunication, drug or alcohol usage, or mental health issues.

Any harmful or threatening behaviour should always be reported immediately to your supervisor. Depending on the problem is seriousness, you can also notify the law enforcement or security personnel at your establishment.

Strategies for conquering obstacles in nursing: Here are some strategies for dealing with typical problems that a nurse can encounter:

Make getting enough sleep a priority. Establishing consistent sleep patterns might be challenging for nurses following traditional schedules. Use techniques like dark curtains, putting your phone away, installing a sound machine, and asking your partner to take the kids out of the house to help you get seven to nine hours of sleep between your shifts.

• Request assistance. Speak with someone as soon as you start to feel overburdened or exhausted. Seek assistance from friends and family members or use services to aid you with household chores like food preparation, grocery delivery, and dog walking.
• Adopt wholesome behaviours. Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and adequate hydration, to prevent disease and feel invigorated.
• Observe your mental and physical well-being. Make time in your calendar for activities that help you stay resilient and refuel, like as food planning and frequent exercise.
• Locate a helpful setting. Seek a job that closely corresponds with your schedule preferences and areas of interest. Examine additional nursing specialities like administration, research, and leadership.

Conclusion – The challenges nurses face are multifaceted and demanding, encompassing physical, emotional, and logistical hurdles. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge these difficulties and implement strategies to overcome them effectively. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support networks, and advocating for healthier work environments, nurses can navigate these challenges with resilience and determination. As we confront the evolving landscape of healthcare, it’s imperative for organizations and policymakers to address these challenges and prioritize the well-being of nursing professionals. Ultimately, by recognizing and addressing the difficulties faced by nurses, we can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system for both patients and healthcare providers alike.

How ND Global can help: ND Global Consulting Services Inc. has earned its reputation as a trusted leader in healthcare staffing.

• Initial Consultation: The employer discusses the vacancies, requirements, and hiring timeline. Agreement is reached on the plan of action and recruitment fee.
• Candidate Sourcing: Targeted strategies are employed to find candidates through industry connections and specialized tools. This phase may involve recruiting for single roles or larger-scale manpower needs.
• Interviews & Assessments: In-person or virtual meetings are conducted to evaluate candidates’ skills and character. Initial screening, comprehensive interviews, and assessments are carried out to gauge suitability.
• Background Checks & Credential Information: Thorough vetting processes are implemented to ensure candidates are qualified. This includes collecting references, attesting qualifications, and verifying licenses or registrations.
• Drug Screening & Health Checks: Candidates undergo drug screening to ensure they meet the organization’s standards for substance use. Additionally, communicable disease screening may be conducted to protect the health and safety of the workplace environment.
• Easy Onboarding: We simplify the process for new hires by providing clear instructions and resources, ensuring a smooth transition into their roles and the company culture.