Q&A: Finding solutions for nursing deficits

Q: My hospital, like many others, is dealing with a shortage of nurses. What solutions can we implement to help make up for this deficit?

A: As the writer noted, many hospitals across the country are facing this problem. But a “one-plan-fits-all” approach does not necessarily exist. Depending on the specific issues they face, different hospitals must utilize different strategies.

In all cases, a three-pronged approach can be implemented to serve as a starting point for a solution to the nursing shortage. Those areas include the following:

Traditional HR solutions for nursing deficits:

• Provide salary increases
• Include flexible work schedules
• Offer benefit increases to healthcare and retirement programs

Classic case management interventions:

• Balance the workload of the nurse case manager
• Maximize the roles of all other positions in the case management department to support and enhance the work of the nurse case manager
• Identify and delegate the technical functions of the case manager role to different staff members

Case management department innovations:  

• Complete a total department assessment of productivity and outcomes as a first step toward reengineering
• Obtain knowledge of all the case management models and determine the best fit for your organization
• Design a unique case management model with new roles and functions