What should nurse managers prioritize during staffing shortages?

During staffing shortages, nurse managers should prioritize hiring temporary staff or adjusting workloads to ensure patient care remains safe and effective. This approach allows for flexibility in managing the staff roster while addressing immediate gaps in care provision. Temporary staff can provide necessary support during high-demand periods without compromising the quality of care, as they are usually experienced professionals who can adapt to different environments quickly.

Adjusting staff workloads is also key in this context. By optimizing the current staff's assignments, managers can distribute responsibilities more evenly, prevent burnout, and maintain operational efficiency. This strategic approach balances resource utilization while still focusing on meeting the needs of patients.

In contrast, filling positions with unqualified staff could jeopardize patient safety and the integrity of care, while avoiding changes to staff assignments might lead to increased fatigue and decreased morale among existing staff. Implementing stricter oversight without support may lead to frustration and a lack of motivation in staff, further exacerbating the issue during staffing shortages. Therefore, the focus on hiring temporary staff or making workload adjustments is essential for maintaining quality healthcare delivery.