Introduction
Nursing home facilities
Nursing homes are specialized facilities that offer comprehensive and continuous medical care to individuals, particularly seniors and those with persistent health conditions. These institutions are staffed with skilled and experienced nursing professionals available 24/7 to provide patients with the necessary care and support. Nursing homes serve as an essential resource for the elderly, particularly those who require ongoing medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.4 million people live in nursing homes throughout the United States. The nursing home industry has been grappling with two persistent issues – understaffing and mandatory overtime – for quite some time (Yoder-Wise & Sportsman, 2022). These problems have far-reaching consequences, affecting patients and healthcare workers.
A concise Summary of the problem of insufficient personnel and mandatory overtime
One of the major issues that the nursing care industry is grappling with is the problem of understaffing and mandatory overtime. Insufficient staffing levels have been linked to unfavorable patient outcomes, decreased quality of care, and increased medical errors. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nursing homes must maintain a registered nurse staffing level of 4.1 hours per person daily. However, the national average falls significantly short of this standard, with only 0.5 hours of registered nurse staffing per resident daily. The staff shortage in healthcare facilities can be attributed to insufficient reimbursement for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), frequent employee turnover, and high labor costs due to burnout or unfavorable working conditions. Extended work hours profoundly impact patient care and healthcare workers’ wellbeing (Yoder-Wise & Sportsman, 2022). Overtime has been linked to nurse burnout, reduced productivity, and a rise in medical errors, all of which can compromise patient care quality.
Thesis statement
In this article, we will discuss the importance of tackling the issues of understaffing and mandatory overtime in nursing homes. By doing so, we can improve patient satisfaction, alleviate the workload of healthcare workers, and reduce costs. This study focuses on the nursing home industry in the United States.
Understaffing can compromise patients’ health, families, and staff wellbeing.
Explanation of the effects of inadequate staffing levels:
One of the most pressing issues facing the nursing home industry is the need for more adequately trained staff. Insufficient staffing can have many negative consequences, jeopardizing patient safety, providing substandard care quality, and a higher likelihood of medical errors. These outcomes can have a significant emotional toll on residents and their families. The severity of the negative outcomes cannot be overstated. When there are not enough staff members available, it can lead to some serious consequences for those in need of care. For example, meals may be skipped, daily tasks may not receive the necessary support, and medical care may need to improve (Jean, 2022). These factors mentioned above can worsen existing health issues and, in certain instances, lead to severe complications, ultimately resulting in increased healthcare costs.
Substantiating proof
A recent study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has found that insufficient staffing levels in nursing homes can lead to a higher incidence of pressure ulcers, falls, infections, and malnutrition among residents. According to Dall’Ora et al. (2020), nursing homes with low staffing levels tend to have higher hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This clearly indicates substandard care quality (Dall’Ora et al., 2020). In addition, a recent study published in the Journal of Health Economics has revealed that nursing homes with insufficient staffing incur a cost of around $2.8 billion annually.
Contrary claims
It is a common argument that nursing homes struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels due to low reimbursement rates and insufficient funding. This makes it challenging for them to attract and retain qualified staff. Although this argument holds some validity, it is important to note that it is not the sole factor contributing to understaffing. More staffing levels can be attributed to various factors, including high employee turnover and burnout. These issues can have a significant impact on the overall staffing situation. Moreover, it is worth noting that although augmenting reimbursement rates and funding can contribute to resolving the problem, it might not be adequate in isolation (Ștefan et al., 2020). Taking care of remuneration alone will shift the staff’s focus onto other, meaning challenging issues they face, meaning solving the remuneration issue alone may not be completely effective.
Understaffing is caused by CNA reimbursement, employee turnover, and tiredness-related labor costs.
Detailed Explanation of factors contributing to understaffing
The understaffing problem in nursing homes is an ongoing concern that can result in compromised patient safety, inadequate care quality, and a heightened risk of medical mistakes. There are several reasons why understaffing can occur in healthcare facilities. One of the main factors is the insufficient reimbursement of certified nursing assistants (CNAs). High employee turnover rates and labor costs resulting from fatigue or unsatisfactory working conditions can also contribute to understaffing. One of the major issues in the healthcare industry is the need for more reimbursement of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of quality care, and therefore, their compensation is of utmost importance. Despite their crucial role in various industries, many workers are unfortunately subjected to low wages and excessive workloads, resulting in discontentment and a significant employee turnover rate (Cherry & Jacob, 2021). Furthermore, the shortage of resources to entice and maintain certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in nursing homes is intensifying the staffing predicament.
A factor that contributes to understaffing in nursing homes is employee turnover. Employee turnover happens when workers depart from their jobs, either by choice or due to circumstances beyond their control, resulting in open positions that are challenging to fill. Nursing homes with high turnover rates often need help with issues such as poor management, insufficient compensation, and excessive job demands (Harrington et al., 2020). The current state of affairs is even more complex because the nursing workforce is getting older, resulting in more retirements and a need for more qualified experts.
One of the reasons for understaffing in nursing homes is the impact of labor costs resulting from employee fatigue or unfavorable working conditions. Many employees face the challenges of exhaustion, excessive workload, and stress, which ultimately results in burnout and a sense of discontentment (Harrington et al., 2020). There needs to be more equipment and facilities at the workplace to improve the situation, resulting in a surge of employees leaving their jobs and making it challenging to recruit new personnel.
Supporting evidence from credible sources
Studies have shown that when nursing homes have insufficient staffing levels, it can lead to compromised patient safety, lower quality of care, and a higher likelihood of medical errors. According to (Lantsman et al., 2021), nursing homes that maintain higher staffing levels tend to exhibit fewer deficiencies and provide a better quality of care than their counterparts with lower staffing levels. The book indicates that nursing homes with high employee turnover rates tend to have a lower quality of care, decreased morale, and job dissatisfaction among staff. According to the study, when staff turnover rates are high, it can result in negative outcomes for residents, such as an increase in infections and falls.
Counterarguments and rebuttals
Some believe that nursing homes should focus on reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency by decreasing staffing levels, including mandatory overtime (Brown & Hansmann, 2018). The continuous staffing increases support this and raise the salaries expenditure; if that continues progressively, it may not be sustainable in the long run. Therefore strict staffing of the necessary positions becomes a worthwhile step to reduce expenditure. Financial focus can be placed on other key areas when the expenditure is reduced.
A supportive workplace culture minimizes burnout and job discontent while improving restitution and remuneration increases client care and employee retention.
Explanation of how improving compensation and workplace culture can address the problem of understaffing.
The nursing care sector is currently grappling with a significant hurdle, which is the issue of inadequate staffing. Upon conducting a thorough analysis of the industry, it has become apparent that the root cause of the problem can be attributed to several factors. These include insufficient compensation for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), high rates of employee turnover, and labor costs stemming from fatigue or poor working conditions. Insufficient remuneration for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is a crucial aspect that directly impacts their drive, longevity, and efficiency as employees. The industry is currently grappling with the significant challenge of high employee turnover (Cherry & Jacob, 2021). This is primarily attributed to workers’ dissatisfaction with their working conditions and the low remuneration they receive.
In order to tackle the issue of understaffing in nursing homes, it is imperative to enhance employee compensation and foster a positive workplace culture. A well-compensated workforce boosts job satisfaction and draws in fresh talent. One way to improve compensation packages is by offering better pay rates, enhanced health insurance benefits, and other attractive incentives that can help retain employees. Implementing these measures can boost employee motivation, resulting in increased productivity, enhanced patient safety, and improved quality of care. In order to improve the overall work experience, nursing homes have the opportunity to cultivate a positive workplace culture (Cherry & Jacob, 2021). This can be achieved by fostering an environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth. Employees are more likely to feel valued and motivated to perform at their best by providing a supportive atmosphere.
Supporting evidence from credible sources
Research has indicated that enhancing employee compensation and fostering a positive workplace culture can yield favorable outcomes in retaining employees and improving the quality of patient care. A recent study by Jean (2022) revealed that nursing homes that provide higher pay rates to their employees experience lower turnover rates than those that offer lower pay rates. Furthermore, nursing homes that fostered a nurturing and encouraging work atmosphere experienced decreased employee turnover rates and increased job satisfaction rates among their staff. According to the study, enhancing employee compensation and improving workplace culture can effectively decrease employee turnover rates and ultimately improve patient care quality.
Counterarguments and rebuttals
Some posit that augmenting remuneration and improving the ambiance of the workplace may result in escalated healthcare expenditures and diminished profitability for nursing homes (Goldstein et al., 2020). Although this contention may possess a modicum of validity, empirical evidence has demonstrated that the advantages of enhancing employee remuneration and fostering a positive workplace environment far surpass the associated expenses.
Mandatory overtime can cause nurse burnout, medical mishaps, irate patients, and a negative hospital reputation.
Explanation of the effects of mandatory overtime on nurses and patients:
Mandatory overtime in nursing homes is a practice that requires nurses to work additional hours beyond their scheduled shifts, often without prior notice. The consequences of mandatory overtime are severe for nurses and patients alike. When nurses are overworked and fatigued, they are at a higher risk of making medical errors, which can have fatal consequences for patients. This is because mandatory overtime can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and decreased nurse productivity (Harrington et al., 2020). Additionally, overworked nurses may need to be able to provide adequate care to patients, leading to increased patient dissatisfaction and a decline in the hospital’s reputation.
Supporting evidence
Research shows mandatory overtime is linked to increased nurse burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and increased medical errors. According to a study by the American Nurses Association, nurses who worked overtime were more likely to report job dissatisfaction, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization (Yoder-Wise & Sportsman, 2022). In addition, the study found that nurses who worked overtime were more likely to report making medical errors, including medication errors and falls.
Counterargument
Some argue that mandatory overtime is necessary to address nursing shortages and reduce staffing expenses (Deering, 2021). However, this argument fails to recognize the negative consequences of mandatory overtime on nurses and patients. Mandatory overtime can lead to nurse burnout, decreased productivity, and increased medical errors, ultimately harming patient care and increasing healthcare costs. Furthermore, addressing nursing shortages and reducing staffing expenses can be achieved through other means, such as improving compensation and working conditions for nurses, which can lead to increased employee retention and job satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate mandatory overtime to improve patient outcomes and enhance the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
Mandatory overtime may reduce nurse shortages and staffing expenses. Overtime affects job satisfaction, patient safety, work performance, and healthcare worker burnout.
Presentation of the opposing view
Mandated overtime is a potential remedy to address the nursing deficit and mitigate staffing costs. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dearth of nurses in the United States has been a persistent issue for several years. The predicament is anticipated to exacerbate in the forthcoming years. Consequently, a school of thought advocates for implementing mandatory overtime as a viable solution to tackle this dearth of healthcare personnel by compelling them to render additional hours of service (Deering, 2021). Such a measure would augment the pool of healthcare practitioners and, in turn, curtail the outlay on staffing.
Supporting evidence
Notwithstanding, compelling evidence posits mandatory overtime as a potential catalyst for deleterious outcomes on the wellbeing of healthcare providers and the patients under their care. As per a scholarly article published in the esteemed Journal of Nursing Administration, mandatory overtime can potentially result in heightened levels of exhaustion and emotional depletion amongst healthcare professionals. This, in turn, can culminate in a decline in their overall job contentment and efficacy (Harrington et al., 2020). Moreover, the imposition of compulsory overtime has been correlated with an elevated likelihood of medical oversights, thereby jeopardizing the wellbeing of patients and casting a detrimental shadow on the hospital’s standing.
Refutation of opposing view
Although mandatory overtime may be a viable solution to the nursing shortage and staffing expenses, its potential benefits outweigh the negative consequences. The heightened risk of medical errors and reduced job satisfaction and productivity among healthcare workers can result in elevated healthcare costs, subpar patient care, and heightened nurse turnover rates (Deering, 2021). Furthermore, mandatory overtime can exacerbate pre-existing issues, such as understaffing, contributing to the nursing shortage.
Conclusion
Summary of the key points presented in the paper
This argumentative discourse has effectively showcased the detrimental effects of insufficient staffing and compulsory overtime in nursing homes. These issues demand immediate attention to enhance the standard of care extended to patients, alleviate the burden on medical personnel, and ultimately augment the overall welfare of clients. Inadequate staffing levels give rise to compromised patient safety, inferior care quality, and heightened medical errors, all of which inflict emotional distress upon residents and their loved ones. The issue of understaffing is multifaceted, stemming from a range of factors such as insufficient remuneration for Certified Nursing Assistants, high employee turnover rates, and labor expenses incurred due to fatigue or unfavorable working environments. Elevating remunerations and ameliorating labor circumstances can augment the quality of customer service and foster staff retention, whereas an unsympathetic organizational setting may precipitate exhaustion and professional discontentment.
Restatement of thesis
In summation, the pressing issues of understaffing and obligatory overtime within nursing homes necessitate prompt and decisive action to enhance patient outcomes, elevate the standard of care, and safeguard the welfare of healthcare personnel. Sufficient staffing levels and fair working conditions are imperative to guarantee optimal patient care, diminish medical errors, and augment patient safety.
Final thoughts
The significance of tackling the issue of insufficient staffing and compulsory overtime in nursing homes cannot be overstated. Ensuring a secure and salubrious milieu for those needing extended care is crucial. Notwithstanding, the persistent quandaries of understaffing and obligatory overtime present a formidable peril to the welfare of patients and healthcare personnel. By resolving these issues, we may elevate the caliber of patient care, bolster staff retention, and ultimately cultivate a more congenial workplace for healthcare practitioners. Policymakers must accord top priority to enhancing staffing levels and ameliorating working conditions in nursing homes. This will guarantee that patients receive optimal care and that healthcare workers can discharge their duties diligently and attentively. This matter necessitates diligent consideration and expeditious intervention to avert adverse consequences and guarantee that nursing homes can deliver excellent patient care.
References
Brown, B., & Hansmann, J. (2018, January 11). The Healthcare Cost Problem and How to Control It. Www.healthcatalyst.com. https://www.healthcatalyst.com/insights/healthcare-cost-problem-how-to-control-it
Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2021). Contemporary Nursing E-Book: Issues, Trends, & Management. In Google Books. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=XrpLEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA135&dq=effect+of+understaffing+and+overtime+in+nursing+homes&hl=sw&newbks=1&newbks_redir=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIo-fc8KT-AhWLbKQEHe_JDP0Q6AF6BAgIEAI
Dall’Ora, C., Ball, J., Reinius, M., & Griffiths, P. (2020). Burnout in nursing: a theoretical review. Human Resources for Health, 18(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-020-00469-9
Deering, M. (2021, November 4). Understanding Mandatory Overtime for Nurses | NurseJournal.org. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/mandatory-overtime-for-nurses/
Goldstein, M., Silver-Greenberg, J., & Gebeloff, R. (2020, May 7). Push for Profits Left Nursing Homes Struggling to Provide Care. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/business/coronavirus-nursing-homes.html
Harrington, C., Dellefield, M. E., Halifax, E., Fleming, M. L., & Bakerjian, D. (2020). Appropriate Nurse Staffing Levels for U.S. Nursing Homes. Health Services Insights, 13, 117863292093478. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178632920934785
Jean, J. (2022, January 11). 6 Proven Strategies From Nurse Execs to Combat the Nursing Shortage in 2022. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/articles/proven-strategies-to-survive-the-nursing-shortage-2022/
Lantsman, J., Berhane, M., & Hernandez, J. (2021). To Achieve Equitable Quality Of Care In Nursing Homes, Address Key Workforce Challenges. Forefront Group. https://doi.org/10.1377/forefront.20210210.904101
Ștefan, S. C., Popa, Ș. C., & Albu, C. F. (2020). Implications of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory on Healthcare Employees’ Performance. Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences, 1(59 E), pp. 124–143. https://doi.org/10.24193/tras.59e.7
Yoder-Wise, P. S., & Sportsman, S. (2022). Leading and Managing in Nursing E-Book. In Google Books. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=3j-FEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA60&dq=effect+of+understaffing+and+overtime+in+nursing+homes&hl=sw&newbks=1&newbks_redir=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIo-fc8KT-AhWLbKQEHe_JDP0Q6AF6BAgHEAI
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