Nurses, the largest sector of health professionals, are a critical part of the healthcare system.1 Yet the nursing profession continues to face shortages, and according to the American Nurses Association, through 2022 there will be more job openings for registered nurses than for any other profession in the United States.1
When a nursing unit is understaffed, the nurses in that unit experience excessive workloads.2 And this, in turn, leads to higher turnover and more nurses leaving the profession.1
Nursing shortages lead to less one-on-one time between nurses and patients, which decreases qualify of care and lowers patient satisfaction scores3 and, ultimately, leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates.1
The impact on patient well-being goes beyond the potential for medication errors and lapses in care. Socialization between nurses and patients helps relieve harmful stress that can negatively affect patients’ coronary arteries, insulin regulation, gut function, and immune system,4 and it releases neurotransmitters that regulate stress and anxiety.5
A Safe Environment
One of the fundamental goals of residential care facilities is to ensure that they are providing a safe environment for the people in their care. The current nursing shortage makes this goal challenging to achieve.
Fortunately, health sitters can step in and help fill the gaps and free-up some nursing time. In addition to providing nurses with the time they need to dedicate to patient care, the reduction in workload also increases job satisfaction.