Addressing the nurse skills gap

The healthcare industry is faced with a big problem. There is a distinct shortage of talent and skilled professionals in the sector, including a lack of nurse skills. 

As per PwC’s survey, 67% of healthcare CEOs said that labour and skills shortages would have a big impact on profitability over the next 10 years—higher than the overall global average of 52%.

Skills gaps come about when there’s disparity between what organisations need from their workforce and what the workforce can ably deliver. One of the main contributing factors to a skills gap in healthcare comes from the reduction in the number of people choosing it as a line of work, and the difficulty of retention of nurses and other healthcare workers.

This article addresses the nurse skills gap, explores why it happens, and suggests ways to provide a better flow of talent through the healthcare system.

Skills shortages in the healthcare industry

The shortage of skills is a global issue that transcends many industries, but it's hugely apparent in healthcare and it can be attributed to several factors.

The ageing population and the emergence of new chronic illnesses require healthcare professionals to have diverse skill sets. They must have the knowledge and expertise to handle complex cases, manage chronic conditions, and provide person-centred care. 

Unfortunately, the current education and training models do not address these evolving needs, leaving gaps in skills sets.

Many institutions also fall down on the lack of long-term healthcare workforce planning, which further fuels the skills gap issue. It has become a bit of a cycle in the last decade:

• With fewer professionals entering the industry, the pressure mounts on those who already work within it;
• With greater pressure comes longer hours;
• With each individual carrying more of a burden every day, it leads to a reduction in work satisfaction;
• The end point is people not wanting to stay in the industry and organisations struggling to retain nurses and other healthcare team members. 

Is your organisation prepared to face the skill gap?

Patient outcomes can suffer greatly as a result of skills gaps. Nurses who lack adequate skills may struggle to provide the best care, potentially resulting in medical mistakes, compromised safety, and lower patient satisfaction.

Furthermore, the skills gap places a burden on healthcare systems, causing inefficiencies, higher expenses, and overwhelmed teams.

At present, the risk of burnout among healthcare professionals is high. When professionals don't have the required skills and knowledge, they can feel more stressed, frustrated, and inadequate in their work. This can ultimately result in burnout, lower job satisfaction, and a decline in the quality of care they provide.

There should be adequate employee well-being measures in place to tackle this issue with empathy

How will you take action against the nurse skills gap?

• Education and training: Healthcare education programs need to incorporate emerging technologies, specialised care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities will ensure that nurses remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in their respective fields. 
• Collaborations and partnerships: Healthcare organisations, educational institutions, and industry leaders should collaborate to develop comprehensive training programs. Such partnerships can help create opportunities for practical experience, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, ultimately improving the skill sets across healthcare professionals.
• Embracing technology: Rapid advances in medical technologies and treatment methods have outpaced the skills and knowledge of many healthcare professionals. From electronic health records and telemedicine to artificial intelligence and robotic-assisted surgery, technology has become an integral part of healthcare delivery. However, many nurses have not received adequate training or exposure to these innovations, leading to a significant disparity between the skills they possess and those required for effective practice. 
• Preparing for future demands: Preparing for future healthcare needs and developing proactive strategies is essential. Governments, healthcare organisations, and educational institutions must work together to identify emerging trends and ensure that the healthcare workforce is prepared to meet these demands.
• Nurses’ recruitment and retention: To address the nurse skills gap, it is important to attract and keep skilled professionals in healthcare. This can be done by offering competitive salaries, creating a supportive workplace, and providing opportunities for career growth and specialisation. 

Don’t underestimate the value of transferable skills

As the healthcare industry advances, specific transferable skills have become highly valuable in nursing.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Both are vital for nurses, as they face complex patient cases and must make quick decisions. Nurses need to excel in analysing information and making sound clinical judgments. 
• Cultural competence: In today's multicultural society, nurses must possess cultural competence and embrace diversity. If nurses understand and respect the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and practices of their patients, it promotes effective communication, builds trust, and ensures patient-centred care. 
• Lifelong learning and adaptability: The nursing profession is always changing, and nurses who embrace lifelong learning and adaptability are well-prepared for the evolving healthcare field. Continuous professional development, such as obtaining certifications and advanced degrees, or attending workshops and conferences, helps nurses stay up-to-date with the industry and increase their value.     

Be aware of the nurse skills gap and take action against it

According to an analysis by the Office for National Statistics in the UK, more than one in ten job vacancies posted online in December were in healthcare.

With the growing demand for skilled nurses, it is important to be aware of the skills gap and take action against it. Healthcare organisations can make use of agencies to find qualified candidates who can fill their vacancies.

It is also recommended that they invest in training programmes so as to help their employees develop new skills that will enable them to adapt better to this constantly changing and challenging environment.