Challenges in Geriatric Nursing Related to the Healthcare System
Challenges in Geriatric Nursing Related to the Healthcare System
Understaffing is one of the most prevalent issues affecting geriatric nursing today. As a nurse, you may often find yourself in situations where the number of elderly patients significantly outnumbers the available nursing staff. This can lead to increased workload, stress, and risks of errors, significantly affecting the quality of patient care provided.
Largely tied to understaffing is the lack of sufficient resources. You will likely experience situations where vital resources for effective elderly care are simply not at hand. This could range from simple supplies like gloves and bed sheets to crucial elements like medications and up-to-date medical equipment, severely hindering effective patient management.
Constant Policy Changes
One other major challenge is the ever-evolving nature of health policies, which may often result in confusion or inconsistent care processes. Policies often change depending on factors like government actions, healthcare evaluations, and even changes in technology. These constant shifts require you to continuously reorient your procedures, making it hard to stay updated.
Moreover, all these challenges in the healthcare system contribute to an overarching issue: compromised quality of geriatric care. When you’re understaffed or lack necessary resources, or when you’re struggling to keep up with policy changes, it’s the elderly patients who suffer most.
Remember: your role is often the bridge between your elderly patients and the healthcare system. Being aware of these challenges can prepare you to navigate these obstacles more effectively, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
