HW

Introduction 269

It has been recognized that the proportion of the nursing workforce in Australia largely constitutes the professionals who work in the health sector. Nurses, being as the ones who interact and communicate with the patients the most, play a vital role in illuminating the concept of the patient-centered care. In terms of meeting the needs of the patient, it is important that the nurse-patient relationship be maintained to correct impractical expectations and further improve patient satisfaction.  (Duckett, 2000).

However, ageing of the population is inevitable. The baby boomer generation has reached retirement and came into old age. It is believed that until 2050, there will be a continuous increase in the population above the age of 65 that will demand a hospital care. This phenomenon, likewise, coincides with the ageing workforce in the healthcare sector (Schofield & Earnest, 2006). A shortage of manpower in nursing may possibly arise which leads in compromising the quality of service being rendered to the patients.

Looking more closely, there are a number of questions that are yet to be answered such as, ‘How does aging of the Registered Nurse (RN) workforce affect the patient care and the nursing profession?, Is something being done to alleviate these forthcoming issues?, What will happen to the senior nurses?, How efficient is staff planning made in lieu of this situation?’

The above issues need to be addressed. Otherwise, not only the RN workforce and the healthcare community as a whole, but also the government and country, will have to endure forthcoming problems as this potentially poses a risk to the health of the clients.

Aging of the Nursing Workforce 250

In an earlier article, ("ICN on healthy ageing: a public health and nursing challenge," 1999) it is stated that, “by 2020, the world population will include one billion people aged 60 and older, 700 of whom will be living in developed countries.”

Aging of the nursing workforce are denoted as qualified and skilled nurses 40 years and over. (Fitzgerald, 2007) Undeniably, matured nurses share their own advantages. Years of professional experience made them more knowledgeable, reliable and committed compared to the ones that were just newly hired. (Sherman, 2006) Generally, possession of this cohort of expert workforce will certainly sustain an organization’s future in the midst of a competitive labor market.

On the other hand, aging do have its own biological limitations. Senior nurses may note a decline in their physical endurance.  In the female group, they may possibly face menopause at this stage on top of caring for their elderly parents or raising their own children whom will probably enter college. (Fitzgerald, 2007)

Effects to Patient Care 250

Patient-centered care is about putting the patient at the center of their health care, with their needs, preferences and expectations as paramount to improve the quality of the health care services. (Dabney & Huey-Ming, 2013)

Effects to the Nursing Profession 250

It is expected that the nursing shortage will last beyond the year 2020.

Mitigating the Impending Challenge 400

Buerhaus, et al. (2001) said that ergonomically redesigning the structure of the workplace is also a way of adjusting to the aging nurse population.  This is an efficient method to reduce potential health risks posed to the veteran nurses.  A manager should take into consideration of these necessities to prevent the aging RN in seeking another institution where there are fewer demands as well as preventing them from retiring early.

Some examples of workplace restructure are reorganizing nursing stations that are placed near the supply rooms, use of equipment to handle patients electronically and placing outlets in a higher area to prevent veteran nurses from bending or stooping on the floor. (Fitzgerald, 2007)

Buerhaus, et al. (2001) further said that in preparation of the near future, several methods should be done to escalate the supply of nurses.

(Norman et al., 2005)