Nursing shortage in rural America: a tragedy not yet fully acknowledged?

Abstract

Nursing shortage in rural America is a catastrophe about to be realized. Countless agencies, both government and private, have discussed this issue. Policies, legislative acts, diatribes, plans suggested, and much hand-wringing has taken place over the past few years, but we seem to be nowhere nearer to actually fixing the problem. This dilemma is compounded in the rural areas of our country for several reasons. This paper explores some of the reasons why rural areas will fare worse than urban areas. The solutions for rural America will need to include considerations for the local economy and viability of the hospital, issues not as relevant in urban and metropolitan areas. There is both a “staffing shortage” and a “workforce shortage,” and we must find out how to correct both. Some of the causes of the shortage include nurse burn-out and injury, an aging workforce (both in current staffing and education of future nurses), job dissatisfaction, low morale, gender and workforce diversity, and issues of autonomy. Areas for improvement include salary and benefit packages, help with the cost of education, and respect within the profession and from other professions within the health industry.