Workforce needs its own care plan

Internationally, healthcare organisations face the challenge of retaining a healthy yet ageing nursing workforce. Nurses make up the largest single professional group in healthcare and have the oldest average age" which is increasing. Their work is recognised as emotionally, psychologically and physically demanding, with cumulative effects. Research evidence indicates they can experience high levels of sickness and work absences, stress, anxiety and depression (referred to as common mental disorders" CMDs) and low vitality. Research shows that precursors for CMDs and low vitality relevant to the nursing workforce include workplace violence, shift work, work environments where nurses lack autonomy but experience high demand and low support, inter-professional conflict and exposure to trauma, and substance use as a coping mechanism. Given these risks, the health of nurses should be a high priority within healthcare workforce planning. The implications of nurses experiencing sub-optimal health go beyond the wellbeing of these individuals; reduced productivity, medical errors, safety issues and inability to engage in core and compassionate care have all been highlighted.