Why Nurses Leaving Bedside Care is a Big Problem

Why Nurses Leaving Bedside Care is a Big Problem

by | Feb 8, 2022 | Nursing

Why Nurses Leaving Bedside Care is a Big Problem

Nurses leaving bedside care is not surprising news anymore. Ever since the pandemic broke out, the workload of nurses has increased not just once but a few times over. Because of this, many of our nurses are exhausted and burned out.

The long hours of work and the overwhelming number of patients to care for have caused some nurses to consider leaving the profession. In this post, we will talk about the cause of nurses leaving the bedside and how it affects them. 

 

Nurses Leave Bedside Care Due to the Pandemic

 

There have been plenty of reports regarding nurses quitting their jobs in the middle of the pandemic. Honestly, I can’t say I blame them. The effects of the pandemic have exhausted the nursing workforce.

Not only do nurses feel exhausted, but the overwhelming number of patients affected by the new Covid-19 variant has also affected their mental health. Many nurses suffer from anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. [1]

The roles of nurses also changed during the pandemic. Nurses took on new positions beyond their scope as they adapted to the “new normal.” Due to the increasing number of new Covid patients, nurses are needed more in clinics, emergency rooms, and intensive care units where care for sick patients is much needed.

That said, the interruption of work due to infected people has created an extra workload for nurses. 

Nurses also work to the bone; they are also in charge of deciding which patients can go to intensive care units or respiratory devices. They also help accompany patients and families as they transition to the end-of-life stages.

In addition to that, other risks that nurses deal with include the lack of resources, protective equipment, the risk of getting infected, obligation in new work areas, and many others pushing nurses to give up and leave their jobs amidst the pandemic. 

 

3 Good Reasons Why Nurses Leave Bedside Care 

 

Besides the threat of the pandemic, other factors also contributed to nurses leaving bedside care. Here’s what we gathered:

 

Toxic Working Environment

 

The primary role of nurses has never changed; they are still the main characters that provide care to enhance the patient’s quality of life and their knowledge so they carry out the best care plan. 

As the media proclaimed, they are heroes and advocates for the wellness of patients and the general community. However, there have been changes in the last 20 years in the nursing environment.

It mainly involved how nurses should carry out their roles. With the Affordable Care Act’s help, more patients can now access health care for the first time in many years, resulting in an influx of patients with co-morbidities.

That said, plenty of nurses work in areas for long hours, tending to more patients than average. 

 

Toxic Nurse Culture

 

Ever heard of the phrase “nurses eat their young”? If not, then we will break it down for you. This term refers to an almost rite-of-passage in the workplace for new nurses.

It’s when seasoned nurses display a form of lateral violence or bullying, and those who have gone through this situation repeat the said behaviors with new nurses under their charge.

It’s a common culture among the nursing staff and is the reason why some nurses leave. Those who cannot connect with fellow nurses in the workplace are often isolated or feel isolated from the group.

Add this to a heavy workload, and new nurses can easily get overwhelmed by the demands and stress of work. 

 

Emotional Exhaustion

 

Dealing with sick patients can drain your energy, and sometimes, it is emotionally draining as well, especially if you have made a deep connection with your patients.

It is why its recommended that nurses learn how they can balance their emotions and connect with their patients without becoming too attached.

Dealing with a beloved patient’s death is also a reason why some nurses leave bedside care. So as a nurse, it is your discernment to choose the proper nursing role where your personality traits fit.

Nurses who find the right nursing specialty that works best have better work performance and career experience without becoming too emotional for their patients. [2]

 

How to Help Nurses

There’s no doubt that nurses are valued members of the healthcare world. Without them, bedside care is not possible. Hospital facilities and health organizations must create rules to help nurses function better at work.

Creating a program that encourages nurses to stay in bedside care must be available too. These can help educate nurses and catch up with the latest trends to promote a healthy work environment. Flexible schedules can also give nurses a break they need. 

Nurses do their job because the world needs them, especially at trying times like this. They do their best and put their lives on the line for others but at what cost?

Hopefully, more healthcare facilities will develop laws that protect the lives of nurses and future nurses. Only then will you see fewer nurses leaving bedside care. 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!