Closing Nursing's Experience-Complexity Gap

J Nurs Adm. 2019 Dec;49(12):580-582. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000818.

Abstract

Hospitals and health systems are facing a new kind of shortage among the nursing workforce: a shortage of experience. As older nurses retire and the influx of new nurses continues to grow, the net effect is a decline in the overall experience of the nursing workforce. At the same time, care delivery is becoming more complex. We call this phenomenon "the experience-complexity gap." If left unaddressed, the experience-complexity gap will widen and could put quality and safety at risk. In this article, the authors explore this new challenge and suggest 3 key strategies for addressing it.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Care / organization & administration*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / supply & distribution*
  • Quality of Health Care*
  • United States