A careplan for NURSING
I have been an RN for 12yrs and wonder if my ideas are valid so I am going to put them out here and see what you think.

First I have a question:
The state BON(s) list yearly the number of nurses by license in each state.
Do these number take into account the number of nurses that have licenses in more than one state? If there is not a system of checks/balances here then the actual nursing shortage may be much greater than currently projected.

Require all nurses in non-bedside roles,(directors, managers, education, ect) to work 3 shifts per month in clinical (bedside role).
Rationale:
1) would help with staffing issues that plague nearly every facility nationwide.
2) places policy makers in position to understand impact of changes (we all know many changes make duplication of work ect.)
3) keeps skills up in all the above roles, this is a concern in event of natural disaster, pandemic, ect.
4) increased respect for each others role in the facility.
I fear only way for this happen is Government agencies potenially impacted work to make it happen. Hospitals not following guideline lose funding until they become compliant.

Many polls seem to indicate nurses are not upset by money, I find that hard to believe. Look at many of the posts in forums and it seems money is an issue.

Hospitals work with nursing to approach Federal Gov to put more money in nurses pockets. While the money can't all come from the hospital there are options.
1) a tax credit given to all nurses working in field based on yrs service.
This has the ability to help retain nurses in the career, possibly sway nurses away from traveling, save hospitals money as they convert travelers to full time staff.
Many hospitals complain about how expensive travelers are, part of that expense is also paying the agency. Traveling keeps pulling me back because of the end of tax year savings, I keep more of what I make.

Treat nurses with RESPECT- we are not a piece of equipment. The simple fact is in most cases you as a nurse will never need that pile of brick and glass as much it will need you and your license.
I for one will not remain at a facility that treats nurses in a negative manner, there is enough stress in our field without it being compounded.

We must also be respectful of the hospital, by helping contain costs when ever possible. Giving an honest days work, ie stay off internet, cell phone,
not reading a novel at desk ect. If we expect to be treated as professionals we must be professional.
When you are on unit please be willing to offer self to others working with you. Picture this if you will we have all seen or been a "drowning" nurse right. Well if the "water" is up to your chin and you are standing up, then the pts in the bed are already under water.

Training new nurses to help out with shortage:
1) on the job training so to speak, much like a MD
This approach will place more people on the units ie better care
Allows for a more realistic training- the new grad to nurse transition should be easier
Helps solve the issues of not enough educators for those waiting for a slot in school.
Stop the push for all BSN nurses, I considered going from ASN to BSN but when I looked at courses and small pay increase I could not see how it would improve my bedside skills.

I love being a nurse (most days), may you have a good day and thank you for taking care of those in your care like you would your own family.