Dr. Mitch: Could shortages in nurses lead to a higher mortality rate?

There is a critical nursing shortage in hospitals, and this issue impacts patient care significantly. Studies, including one from the British Journal of Surgery, show that lower staffing levels lead to higher rates of complications and mortality after surgery. Nurses and nursing assistants play an essential role in ensuring quality patient care. Yet, the government often overlooks their expertise, treating them like mere resources rather than professionals. To improve healthcare, it is vital to recognize the contributions of nursing staff, respect their roles, and provide adequate support and staffing levels. Proper treatment of nurses can enhance the overall quality of care, reduce risks to patients, and ultimately save lives. It’s important to understand that a well-supported nursing team is an integral part of a functional healthcare system.

Nurses and other healthcare workers are essential to the quality of patient care in hospitals. Studies show that when emergency rooms are overcrowded, it negatively impacts patients' health. To ensure a well-functioning healthcare system, it is crucial to respect and value the contributions of nurses, orderlies, and coordinators. Treating these professionals poorly affects the whole team. Rather than treating them as interchangeable parts, we should recognize their unique roles and the importance of teamwork. The government and management play significant roles in this respect and must change their approach to encourage more people to join the nursing profession and support those already in it. When communication and treatment of healthcare workers improve, so does care for patients, highlighting the importance of a healthy work environment.

Respect and fair treatment are crucial in the healthcare system. How healthcare professionals are treated at local hospitals and clinics reflects the attitude and policies from the government. If the government provided decent wages and recognized the value of healthcare workers, this respect would flow through the system. This approach could improve the troubling situation in healthcare today. Everyone deserves to be treated well, and when those in authority prioritize respect for healthcare workers, it positively impacts the care they provide to patients, leading to better health outcomes for everyone. Therefore, change must start at the top to reach the bottom effectively. Dr. Mitch Schulman emphasizes this point, advocating for the dignity and rights of healthcare professionals to foster a healthier community.