The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) and the Virginia Nursing Association (VNA) are collaborating to broaden participation in decision-making processes.
Their Nurse Staffing Committee model is designed to ensure that nurses’ perspectives are considered in discussions regarding staffing, workforce development, and improving patient care.
Julian Walker, the VHHA’s Vice President of Communications, emphasized that healthcare staffing shortages have been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by the pandemic.
Walker highlighted that Virginia currently has over 8,900 vacant hospital positions, with more than 3,300 of them being nursing roles.
“Nurses are often the primary caregivers patients interact with in hospitals. While they may also see physicians or clinicians, nurses are most frequently at the bedside,” noted Walker.
According to Walker, healthcare facilities can customize the Nurse Staffing Committee model to suit their specific needs, with backing from both the VHHA and VNA.
As the population ages, the demand for healthcare services increases, leading to a greater need for medical professionals. Walker pointed out that many nurses are nearing retirement age, further contributing to the shortage.
“We have nurses who are retiring, leading to a need for replenishment in the nursing workforce,” said Walker, mentioning that over 100,000 registered nurses in Virginia, with 27% aged 55 or older, and a median age of 44.
Walker underscored the extensive education and training required for medical professions like nursing, medicine, and psychiatry.
“Becoming a nurse, doctor, or psychiatrist involves technical expertise, requiring rigorous education, licensure, and training,” explained Walker.
Initiatives such as the Nurse Staffing Committee are proactive measures to tackle the shortage of medical staff in Virginia, according to Walker.
