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Are Healthcare Nurses in Demand in Ireland?

Servisource

- 3 months ago

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Are Healthcare Nurses in Demand in Ireland?

It is evident that healthcare nurses are in demand in Ireland. The demand has seen a substantial increase in recent years, driven by many different factors. As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic illnesses rises, the strain on the healthcare system intensifies, requiring a larger, more skilled workforce. Servisource ensures this steady demand is fulfilled and provides the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place to assist with these consistent staffing needs.

Did You Know?

The healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented staffing shortages, with an extra 15,000 employees required by 2035, according to a report in the Irish Examiner.

Servisource Wins Tier 2 Status on the Multi Supplier Panel for Nursing & Midwifery Placement in Ireland

How Servisource Can Help

Are Healthcare Nurses in Demand in Ireland?

• Servisource was awarded the Employment Recruitment Federation 2021 Award for Best in Practice Healthcare based on our excellent track record of providing healthcare staff.
• We have been providing hospitals with a 24-hour service, guaranteeing fast results and excellent service.
• Our Winter Plan was created to help our clients fight the challenges that winter brings to the healthcare system, and we are committed to ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to navigate the demanding season effectively.
•  It ensures the HSE can focus on what matters most, the patients, by providing the right people with the right skills and knowledge. From clerical officers, triage nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, porters to catering staff.
• These are some of the key reasons why we have been the partner of choice for hospitals since 2010.

Reasons for the Demand

Aging Population: Ireland’s aging population requires increased healthcare services which results in a higher demand for nurses to care for older adults, both in hospitals and in community settings.

Chronic Illness: There is a rising prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Managing these conditions often requires ongoing nursing care.

Healthcare System Strain: Healthcare systems have been under strain the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a need for more nurses to handle increased patient loads and ensure adequate care.

Workforce Shortages: There has been a historical shortage of nurses in Ireland due to factors like the emigration of Irish nurses and the need for better retention and recruitment strategies.

Repercussions of Healthcare Staffing Shortages

Decreased Quality of Care

Staffing shortages can lead to a decreased quality of care as workers are stretched thin, resulting in longer waiting times, rushed procedures, and reduced attention to patients’ needs.
This may result in a decline in patient outcomes and increased medical errors.
Overworked and fatigued professionals are more prone to making mistakes. The likelihood of medication errors and misdiagnoses can harm patients.
Delayed care can be especially problematic for patients with urgent or critical conditions.

Increased Workload and Burnout

Existing staff often have to take on extra duties and longer hours to compensate for the shortage. This increased workload can lead to burnout, fatigue, and decreased job satisfaction.
Burnout can contribute to higher turnover rates among professionals, exacerbating the staffing shortage problem.
Workers may be responsible for caring for a larger number of patients than they can manage effectively. This can result in decreased time per patient, leading to rushed care and potentially overlooking critical details.
Workers may also be burdened with increased administrative tasks, such as documentation and paperwork, which can further add to their workload.

Longer Wait Times

Patients may face longer waiting times for appointments, treatments, and surgeries due to limited staff.
Delayed access to care can negatively impact patients’ health, potentially leading to the progression of diseases or conditions.
Patients could encounter delays in scheduling diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays and elective procedures like surgeries due to limited staff availability. These delays can prolong the diagnostic process and treatment planning.
Patients relying on regular medication refills may face longer wait times at pharmacies, especially if there are shortages of pharmacy staff. This creates interruptions in medication regimens, which can be detrimental to patients’ health.

How to avoid staffing shortages?

Anticipate Future Needs: Organisations should regularly assess their current workforce and project future staffing needs based on population growth, patient demographics, and trends. This can help identify potential shortages in advance.
Attractive Compensation Packages: Offer competitive salaries, benefits, and incentives to attract and retain professionals. Conduct regular salary benchmarking to ensure compensation packages are competitive in the job market.
Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by implementing flexible scheduling options and reasonable work hours to prevent burnout and staff turnover.
Emergency Staffing Plans: Develop and maintain emergency staffing plans that can be activated during unexpected surges in patient demands, such as during a pandemic or natural disaster.
Use a Staffing Agency: To alleviate the recruitment strain, use a staffing agency who can anticipate needs because of their industry expertise and professionalism.

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The demand for healthcare nurses in Ireland is ongoing as the population becomes older and emigration continues. By providing a work-life balance and attractive compensation packages, these positions can be filled and the sustainability and effectiveness of Ireland’s healthcare system can work to its optimum best. By addressing any challenges and staffing shortages through staffing agencies, it ensures that the population continues to receive high-quality care in the years to come.