In today’s healthcare landscape, staffing challenges are nothing new. However, the reality we’re grappling with now is a full-blown crisis. An overwhelming 80% of nurses believe that the nursing shortage, already straining healthcare systems across the U.S., will only worsen in the coming years.

As someone embedded in the healthcare sector, or even as a patient, it’s vital to understand why this belief is prevalent among nurses and the potential implications for the healthcare system.

The Data Speaks Volumes

Firstly, let’s talk about the numbers. Vacancies for registered nurses could reach 1,00,000 by 2024, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gaping hole in the healthcare workforce is due to a combination of factors: an aging population requiring increased care, an aging workforce retiring, and insufficient staffing that predates the COVID-19 pandemic.

An insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, and clinical preceptors are impacting intake at U.S. nursing schools. An American Association of Colleges of Nursing report detailed that over 80000 applicants – all qualified from nursing programs – were turned away.

The Ripple Effects of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant catalyst in this crisis. With nurses on the front lines, many experienced severe burnout, leading to a higher turnover rate. A study conducted by Nursing Solutions, Inc. revealed that the average hospital turnover rate in 2020 was a staggering 18.8%, with registered nurses accounting for a significant portion of this.

Exhaustion and Burnout

Long hours, high patient loads, and the emotional toll of nursing have led to high levels of burnout. Over 60% of nurses in a 2020 survey by the American Nurses Association reported feeling overwhelmed, and it’s not hard to see why. The emotional weight of dealing with critical illnesses, end-of-life scenarios, and ongoing pandemic stress are all contributing to this burnout, causing more nurses to leave the profession.

The Worsening Ripple Effect

As more nurses leave the profession, those left behind are expected to pick up the slack, leading to longer hours, increased stress, and, ultimately, more burnout. It’s a vicious cycle, and according to our nurses, one that is only set to escalate. Now, more nurses are also turning to agencies, like a physician recruiter, in an attempt to get contracts more tailored to a normal lifestyle, preventing burnout in the process.

Can We Turn the Tide?

Despite this grim outlook, it’s not all doom and gloom. Solutions to this crisis are being explored, from increasing nurse education funding and providing better workplace support to investing in preventative care to reduce patient loads.

However, these changes will require time, effort, and significant system-wide shifts. It’s an uphill battle, and nurses are bracing themselves for the challenge. Right now, in the US, nurses are currently striking for better pay, so the healthcare system is still in the midst of recovering from years of wrongdoing.

As patients and healthcare professionals, we rely on nurses’ expertise and compassion. Their prediction of the impending crisis should not be taken lightly. It is a call to action – for better funding, better support, and significant changes in how we view and structure our healthcare system.

As we navigate this path, it’s crucial to keep the conversation alive, understand the gravity of the situation, and above all, support our nurses. They are the beating heart of our healthcare system, and without them, that system cannot function. We owe it to them – and ourselves – to address this crisis head-on.

Pregnant women face a lot of problems in this period, and on top of that, they get advice from all corners.

It’s okay to take a break, sit for some time and be with yourself.

That will give you some insight on how to handle pregnancy with care.

Of course, you should restrict yourself from doping, drinking, and smoking, and if you can’t get a hold of that, there’s an addiction treatment facility in Austin to help you. 

Now, let’s talk about the 7 healthy habits that will keep pregnant women 

7 Healthy Habits For Pregnant Women

You may be bombarded with suggestions from everyone now that you are pregnant. So, if you are confused about which advice to follow and which one to ignore, we understand.

This is why we have shed light on the 7 healthy habits that are must during a pregnancy. Let’s have a look: 

1: Get Enough Sleep

Any person is advised to sleep 8-9 hours a day, and this advice is emphasized when the person is a pregnant lady.

You must remember that you are not taking care of yourself only, but there’s someone inside you who’s completely dependent on you.

Therefore, making some changes in your sleeping pattern is the least you can do.

Stop binge-watching Netflix when you are in bed. If you have trouble sleeping, consult a doctor right now.

On top of that, you should also sleep on your left side while bending the knees a little as it lessens the pressure on your womb and gives your baby the required space to move. 

2: Educate Yourself On Pregnancy

We are not daring to assume that just because you are pregnant, you are sitting at home, resting.

But, if you have some free time on your hand, it’s best to put it to use. Educate yourself on pregnancy as much as you can because when the baby is born, you’ll rarely have any time on your hand to figure out how things work.

There are plenty of childbirth classes available. Join one of them to meet other pregnant women. You can learn all about infant care there and voice your concerns if needed.

You can also take your partner to the class to make sure both of you are part of this journey.

3: Eat Healthily

If you don’t practice healthy eating, your baby may be born with genetic abnormalities and disabilities that you will regret for the rest of your life.

So, you should consult a nutritionist and make a diet chart right away that will fill up your need for essential nutrients.

We are not saying you have to eat like two people, but you must make some conscious food choices.

Avoid fast food and processed food as much as you can, cut back on your caffeine dosage, say no to drugs and alcohol, drink plenty of water, and limit your caffeine dosage to 200 mg per day.

4: Practice Kegel

Practicing kegel exercise is easy if you know the right way to do it.

Figure out the muscles that you use to stop your urine flow. Pull that pelvic muscle up, squeeze for 5-6 seconds, and release. Repeat the process 10-15 times at one go to ensure your pelvic muscle is strong enough to ensure a healthy delivery.

You can practice kegel anytime without anyone noticing. Practice it while you are standing in the line of a grocery store or when you are driving. 

Practice kegel exercise at least 3 times a day and when your pelvic muscles are strong enough, they can support your uterus, bowel, and bladder. 

5: Track Your Weight

I know this one is tough but you must track how much weight you are gaining every day.

If you are not gaining enough weight, it may put your baby at risk. We understand that shedding those extra pounds will be difficult for you later, but if it’s for your baby, it’s all worth it.

Your BMI rate must also be in sync with your weight gain. So, if you think tracking your weight gain is being too difficult for you, it’s time you seek professional help.

Ask your gynecologist for advice the next time you visit him because if you don’t keep a track of your weight gain, you won’t know how healthy your baby is.

6: Take Prenatal Supplements

Many people don’t understand the importance of taking prenatal supplements in this phase. They think they are eating everything the doctor prescribes, so there’s no point in eating additional medications.

Well, you are wrong.

If your doctor asks you to take a prenatal vitamin, it’s because of your baby’s wellbeing.

You may not get all the essential nutrients from the food you eat, which will hamper your baby’s health. 

If taking these supplements makes you uneasy, you can always take them with a light snack or smoothie. Your baby’s neural cord develops in the first month, so take the vitamins from the earliest onset.

7: Say YES To Cravings

Even doctors can’t explain the reason behind pregnancy cravings.

Some say women are emotional during this time so they need support, and food can support them. Others say cravings are nature’s way of telling when the mother lacks essential nutrients.

So, among all these NOs, we think you should say YES to cravings.

They are not going to last long, but just because we are asking you to indulge doesn’t mean you’ll go overboard.

Undercooked eggs, meat, herbal tea, unpasteurized cheese, raw sprouts are some of the things to avoid at all costs. Apart from them, you can eat what you want but limit the servings to a minimum.

Some Myths Debunked!

We have mentioned many myths surrounding pregnancy before, and we are here to talk about them.

• You don’t have to eat for two.
• You can drink caffeine but limit its intake to a minimum.
• You can exercise when you are pregnant.
• You can feel the morning sickness anytime during the day, not just in the morning.
• There are no creams and lotions to prevent stretch marks.
• You won’t have to drive away cats from your home during pregnancy.
• Telling the baby’s sex won’t put him/her in danger.
• Drinking one or two glasses of wine is okay.
• Having sex during pregnancy won’t hurt your baby. 

Final Takeaway

You must have understood by now that pregnancy is a sensitive time. 

So, you have to take care of yourself and your baby, and we have provided some healthy tips for you to undertake.

If you need more information on this, reach us in the comment section below. We will come back to you with an answer immediately.