Nursing Shortage in Ontario

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses how Ontario will be capable of supporting the needs of the increasing elderly population through the health care system with the existence of the nursing shortage. To address this issue, the writer recommends that a profile of the baby boomer generation be developed that will identify the health care needs of this population. Furthermore, the writer notes that funding, staffing and training must be allotted that will meet these health care needs. The writer maintains that in accomplishing these two steps the nursing issues that are currently impacting the Ontario health care system will be reduced and the health care community can begin to experience a rebirth in the quality of care that is essential to the citizens of Ontario.

Outline:
Key Issue
Decision Sought (Recommendation)
Background
The Recommended Option or Proposed Direction
Impact Statements
Consultation
Legislation Required
Communications Plan

From the Paper:

"It should be noted that an effective resolution to this issue must be capable of meeting the needs of the baby boomer generation in an immediate sense. This population is already beginning to retire and to place a significant burden on the health care system. This burden impacts the professional nurse because the nurse is the primary caregiver in most health care environments. It should further be considered that when a nurse is tasked with providing extensive care to multiple individuals within the baby boomer population, that nurse is unable to provide care to other patients that are not being treated for age related illnesses or disease. As this takes place the nurse becomes overburdened in his or her tasks and ultimately the quality of care declines for two specific reasons. First, the nurse is tasked with providing care to the elderly that he or she is not specifically trained to give. Although the nurse may have experience treating elderly patients, it is evident that the needs of the baby boomer generation are different from previous aging populations, and that information is not universally known to all nursing professionals."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Challenges to sustainability. (2006). Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://www.rnaoknowledgedepot.ca/strengthening_medicare/ss_challenges_to_sustainability.asp
• Despite shortage, new nurses can't find full time work, Canada. Medical News Today. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=17654
• Good nursing, good health: A good investment. (2001). Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ministry_reports/nurserep01/nurse_rep.html
• Health outcomes for better information and care. (2006). Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/project/nursing/nursing_mn.html
• Hickey, D. (2004). Health and the baby boomer. New York State Office for the Aging. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://www.aging.state.ny.us/explore/project2015/arthealth.htm

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