This is our 5th installment in our blog series for healthcare professionals.
On May 22, 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory addressing crisis occurring in the healthcare professions. The statistics are startling: 8 of 10 health workers have experienced workplace violence, 76% of health workers reported exhaustion and burnout, and 66% of nurses have considered resigning.[1]
These numbers indicate that we will be experiencing a significant healthcare worker shortage very soon. There soon to be an estimated shortage of 54,100 – 139,000 physicians alone.[2] As we all collectively watch as more and more healthcare professionals leave their jobs and don’t look back, we must realize that it is not too late. There is still an opportunity for change, but we must act quickly.
The healthcare field has changed dramatically over the past few decades. In many ways it has become a business, and this can often fly in contrast with the motivations of the employees who were attracted to the profession. They want to care, help and nurture; but the environment does not align with these goals. Rather, they are overwhelmed with paperwork, threats of liability, untreated mental illness in their patients and are expected to do more with less- less time, less staff, less support. These professionals need more than money to entice them to stay. They certainly need a lot more than money to thrive.
If these above-mentioned statistics are accurate, we are all in trouble. There will always be the sick, the elderly, and those who need care. If our present healthcare system is hemorrhaging employees, who will take care of those who need medical support? There needs to be a different approach to how we treat the employees of this unique field. Why? Because we need them and will continue to need them more than ever.
It’s time to meet healthcare professional where they are and realize that corporations that are profit driven do not necessarily mix with the caring professions. If we act now and provide emotional support and training targeting well-being and personal resiliency to the caregivers and provide them the mental tools, they need to accomplish their jobs, maybe we could turn the tide with the mass exodus in the medical field and ensure that there will be someone there to take care of you and those you love when you need it the most.
[1] “Addressing Health Worker Burnout: the U.S. Surgeon Generals Advisory on Building a Thriving Workforce”, May 2023, www.hhs.gov.
[2] Ibid.