Global Nursing Gaps addresses the escalating global nursing shortage and its significant impact on patient care and healthcare systems. The book highlights how this shortage leads to compromised patient safety, increased healthcare costs, and immense pressure on existing nursing staff. It examines the multifaceted factors driving this crisis, including demographic shifts, economic disparities, and workplace conditions, while also providing historical context on the evolution of nursing as a profession. One key insight is that the shortage isn't just a workforce issue, but a systemic problem requiring significant investment in nursing education and improved working conditions.
The book is structured into three sections, beginning with an overview of the global nursing landscape and its immediate effects on patient outcomes, such as increased mortality rates. It then delves into the root causes, exploring factors like the aging nursing workforce and nurse burnout, supported by data from international organizations.
Finally, Global Nursing Gaps explores potential solutions, advocating for expanding nursing education, improving nurse retention, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. The book's value lies in its comprehensive overview and practical recommendations for healthcare policymakers, hospital administrators, and nursing educators seeking to address this critical public health issue.
