Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Contemporary Issues in Nursing Practice and Study


Nursing is a dynamic profession that is critical in the healthcare industry. When studying, nursing pupils and experts often face issues.

Whether handling demanding tasks or nursing shortages, they find it hard to adapt to the evolving landscape. This affects their personal and professional life.

Do you want to learn about issues in Nursing practice? Then this blog is for you.

Come on! Let us have a look at them!

What Are The Issues in Nursing Practice and Study?

The common issues in nursing practice and study faced by nurses includes nursing shortage, burnout, safety concerns, need for collaboration and legal issues.

Come on! Let us decode each in detail and see how you can overcome them.

1.     Staff Shortage

One of the pressing nursing issues is the shortage of staff. According to the report published in 2020 by the WHO (Source: ICN), there is a shortage of over six million nurses worldwide.

See? That is the problem, and it is caused by the aging population and the current workforce nearing retirement.

This shortage causes problems like:

  • Excessive workload
  • Maintaining the workforce.
  • Reduced patient care.

This issue must be resolved as soon as possible. This will ensure that patients and nurses are satisfied. This can be solved by following solutions like:

  • Provide different nursing programs so the old nurses can stay updated about the latest trends.
  • Moreover, improving working conditions.
  • Offering promotions to enhance retention.

While these solutions are effective, they require proper effort and time.

2.     Using Tech in Nursing

With the world evolving, tech has become a major part of our lives. Well, nursing is no expectation.

Its usage in this field has made this industry more effective. Here is how it helps:

  • Effective documentation.
  • Increased efficiency
  • Improved patient care.

While it does provide perks, it is also quite challenging.

From EHRs to AI tools, nurses must learn how to adapt to them as soon as possible.

Similarly, pupils must know how to use tools like VR and AR to complete their assignments. It is very daunting. Hence, many pupils even consider seeking nursing assignment writing service. Furthermore, they must also know how to tackle the privacy problems.

3.     Burnout

Nursing is a demanding field – as a nurse, you must be on your feet 24/7, catering to one according to their needs.

Well, excessive workload can cause burnout. According to a survey conducted by Research Gate, 11.23% of nurses worldwide experience the symptoms.

That is not it.

Some studies even show that the depression rate in nurses might be around 23% to 61%. Do you know that due to burnout and excessive anxiety, we can see a nurse shortage by the year 2030?

It is one of the pressing issues that needs immediate attention. The good thing is that this can help nurses overcome this problem by following tips like:

  • Developing mental health programs to spread awareness.
  • Creating better work-life policies.
  • Ensuring the nurses are taking enough rest and prioritising their health.

By implementing these tips, they can ensure nurses are taken care of and won’t fall into depression because of how tiring their field is.

4.     Diversity in Patient Care

As the nursing field evolves, nurses have to become culturally competent. They need to learn how to respect one’ boundaries irrespective of their culture, race, and gender.

Furthermore, they need to take care of their beliefs and practices. However, it is not easy, especially for this generation of nurses. They might face problems like:

  • Bias and discrimination
  • Language Barriers
  • Misunderstanding because of lack of understanding.

To ensure proper patient care while maintaining diversity, they need to take major steps by providing education that focuses on cultural sensitivity. Moreover, they must teach the importance of equal care.

5.     Workplace Bullying

Another pressing issue in nursing practice is workplace bullying. According to the recent study, 78% of the nurses face bullying in the first six months of their work. .

Similarly, 60% of the nurses leave their first job because of the constant poor behavior from their seniors.

Well, it is a serious matter and can cause:

  • Negative effect on nurses’ well-being.
  • Furthermore, it even affects patient care.
  • Decreasing work motivation.
  • Turnover
  • Burnout

To avoid workplace bullying and ensure that nurses are satisfied with their jobs, nursing institutes need to take adequate measures like:

  • Implementing self-care practices.
  • Moreover, applying assertive techniques.
  • Maintaining a respectful tone while having a conversation.
  • Respectfully communicating and voicing their opinions.

With the help of these tricks, institutes can ensure everyone feels valued and enjoys working.

6.     Evidence-Based Practice

Nursing is not a theoretical field – in fact, it requires EBP to ensure one’ needs are met to the fullest. It also aids  in making better care decisions.

Moreover, it promotes effective outcomes and contributes to development. It even fosters culture.

However, it is not easy, and many nurses face problems like:

  • Limited access to current research
  • Time management problems in clinical settings.
  • Moreover, there is a lack of training.

The good thing is that nursing studies are helping them overcome this problem. When working on tasks, pupils have to incorporate theory into practice. Furthermore, they also learn how to apply findings to clinical situations.

They also support EBP through training. They even offer access to different research resources, such as digital libraries, etc.

7.     Legal issues

Another common issue one faces in nursing practice is battling legal issues. They are in a dilemma about end-of-life care, informed consent, and resource allocation.

One wrong move and they might land in deep trouble. Here are some of the key concerns.

  • Balancing policies with personal ethics.
  • Teaching one about care.
  • Maintaining privacy.

With these issues rising, ethical learning has become vital. This ensures one is prepared.

Wrapping Up!

That is a wrap! Many issues in nursing practice and study include staff shortage, tech integration and burnout. Apart from this, workplace bullying, EBP, and legal issues are also real. The good thing is that the institutes can overcome these problems. They need to follow solutions like teaching nurses, improving policies, giving breaks to the nurses, etc.

Nursing is an amazing field and will continue to grow in the upcoming years. By working on these issues institutes can ensure the needs of patients and nurses are met.

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