Nursing Shortage -What's Next

What's Next - Research from Subject Matter Experts

While there is no one size fits all answer to address the nursing shortage, here are some ideas for consideration from subject matter experts around the Country. 
 

Artificial Intelligence

There's a real, and untapped, opportunity for artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to alleviate the burden on nurses and help them focus on top-of-license care. Leaders must start using technology to optimize nurses' time if they want to keep up with care demand under the current staffing resources.

1. Automation takes on rote administrative tasks to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.
2. AI supports nurses to make faster, equally accurate clinical decisions.
3. Automated triaging helps nurses focus on high acuity cases.

Suggested Reading

• 3 ways AI can help nurses by Allyson Paiewonsky, MPH, Senior Research Analyst

Gig Nursing 

Gig nursing? What is it? Maybe you are just learning about the Gig economy and now you hear about Gig nursing. Gig nursing is simply a way to offer flexibility with nursing schedules and positions using technology and AI. Imagine a health system putting their own nursing positions into an app that any nurse can access. If the day and hours are right for the nurse who accesses the app and looks at the open shifts, they click on the one that is right for them and sign up for it.  

Of course, that nurse is registered with the organization that maintains the app and is vetted through them. But once nurses are oriented to a facility or system, they are free agents signing up for shifts that work for them. They are contract employees with no benefits, but they have the ability to set their own schedules and work when and where they want. Employee satisfaction is evident with this type of employment and satisfied and engaged nurses mean better patient care. To learn more about Gig nursing check out Mercy Health. From an employee and financial standpoint, they have seen tremendous results in the past year.

Suggested Reading

• The Gig Economy Has Arrived in the World of Nursing by Chris Caulfield, RN, NP-C
• Has the Future of Part-Time Work Shifted by Lillee Gelinas, DNP, RN, CPPS, FAAN
• Fighting to Find Nurses, Mercy experiments with Uber's 'Gig Worker' Model by Annika Merrilees.
   

A Few GIg Apps for Consideration

ShiftKey offers a platform that allows workers or providers to connect directly with health-care facilities as independent contractors, much like Uber does for drivers. About 300,000 nurses and other health-care workers have used the platform since it launched, ShiftKey’s CEO Tom Ellis said.

ShiftMed is the complete healthcare workforce solution, combining internal resource management technology with an on-demand workforce marketplace, to help organizations efficiently manage internal resources and seamlessly supplement their workforce with external workers. 

CareRev connects Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, and Surgical and Radiologic Technologists with local healthcare facilities for flexible shifts. The freedom to set your schedule at facilities of your choice and chart your financial future with no contracts or long-term commitments.

IntelyCare is the leading healthcare workforce management platform. Our AI-based float pool management and per-diem matching technology enable healthcare facilities to staff with confidence, while our app gives nursing professionals the scheduling flexibility they deserve. In creating a better working environment for all healthcare professionals, we are helping to end the nurse staffing crisis and ensure that patients receive optimal care.

Nursa healthcare employers and licensed professionals make relevant connections, communicate directly via chat, and make better decisions about hiring. Overall, everyone is able to serve patients more effectively and safely.  Hospitals, clinics, long term care and other healthcare facilities can easily get in touch with the nurses and assistants they need with Nursa. It’s a win-win for both the medical facility and the clinical professional because patient care is improved, healthcare staffing costs are reduced, and burnout is less likely in both the short and long term.