[Ji B.]

Like many ideas near the beginning of the pandemic in the US, this article provides some very good, albeit possibly idealistic, suggestions for how to address nursing shortages specifically. The part that was most impactful was the discussion on how barriers to the nursing profession need to be removed immediately; this is because it took a pandemic in order for anyone to consider that there are too many barriers to becoming a nurse of any level, and to practice accordingly, which applies to education in general within the States. One such barrier is the shortage of nursing educators in the field, as Gabriela addressed in her response, which creates a sort of catch-22 situation where a shortage of nurses is always inevitable. Adjusting state practice regulations for nurse practitioners may help address both parts of that situation (broadening an NP’s scope of practice could include teaching privileges). The author’s suggestions of utilizing senior nursing students for some of the more basic hospital care, and setting up a national nursing reverse corps could help address the issues surrounding the nursing shortage as well.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by Ji B..

[Ji B.]

Does anyone have any updates on how obtaining the necessary clinical hours has been progressing throughout the pandemic? In the information provided in the original post, I found it interesting that even though the required 500 clinical hours have been completed, if an acceptable range of experience was not gained, the educational institution is responsible for providing additional clinical opportunities for students. I agree with Abigail’s response that clinical time is crucial in preparing students for the DNP role. While 500 hours is the minimum requirement, I think it is important to note that achieving the minimum is never the best effort. If simulations can help students become exposed to more situations and help with advancing their thought processes in addition to direct clinical experience, it would be most beneficial.

[Ji B.]

We are now further in the depths this pandemic, and we still have as little direction/solutions for the various issues that came along with it, such as childcare assistance, missed work and pay, and healthcare overall. Federal and state governments are still struggling to figure out how to best manage/contain the virus, and have been inconsistent at best in providing guidance for arising questions such as if schools should reopen, and if so, how we can not only provide a safe learning environment for the students, but also a safe working environment for teachers and other staff. The author suggests that widespread political support for Universal Family Care would benefit the entire population, which would be ideal. However, I’m wondering how healthcare providers specifically can be a part of “jolting” this change to life, especially when there is so little existing support for these ideas?

[Author]

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