Dr. Chiquesha Davis of the Tarelton State University Nursing school says just when they are needed most, medical professionals are leaving the industry. Dr. Davis says they are exhausted - and not just physically. "Compassion fatigue can be why some people in the medical profession are stepping away." She says hours are long - especially when a co-worker calls in sick. National surveys say a third of them are considering leaving and many - including doctors - are doing just that. "We are instilling in our nursing students the importance of staying in their positions because they are so needed."
Nursing Shortage in America Getting Worse?
Dr. Davis also says medical staff members are not only stressed at the condition of their patients but also the hours they are required to work. " They are doing 7 12-hour shift and then 7 off. But sometimes a co-worker calls in sick. You have to have a provider there - so you can't leave. You have to stay." Dr. Davis also says hospitals are working hard just to staff nurses. "We found that our clinical partners are having 'travel nurses' come in because their own nurses are being stressed. They are not at the bedside. Or - they are leaving!"
In a recent poll, roughly 3 in 10 health-care workers are considering leaving. There are now hotlines dedicated strictly for stressed out medical professionals.
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