ShiftMed Knowledge Center

When it comes to technological advancements in nursing, staying ahead of the curve isn't just an option—it's a necessity. Technological innovations in nursing are transforming patient care and revolutionizing the fabric of nursing practices. From the seamless integration of electronic health records to the real-time monitoring capabilities of wearable devices, these advancements are ushering in a new era of healthcare. According to HIMSS State of Healthcare Report, 99% of U.S.-based health system leaders and 95% of their international peers agree that it’s important for their organizations to actively invest in digital transformation.   

Understaffing and unsustainable patient loads strained the nursing profession long before COVID—the pandemic just compounded the problem. That's why today's nurses suffer from burnout and struggle with their mental health like never before.

There is a shift taking place in nursing and healthcare in the United States. The pandemic exposed a workforce staffing crisis that has been brewing for decades. On its current trajectory, it’s expected to get worse in the coming years because pay isn’t keeping up with the cost of living, healthcare workers are being asked to do more with fewer resources, and there aren’t incentives for nurses to enter the workforce. 

The gig economy has been on the rise for the past decade, but its impact on healthcare has been especially notable in recent years. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the gig economy has presented itself as a solution to address healthcare support staffing shortages in the industry. However, healthcare providers need to find the right partner that helps eliminate the risk that comes with leveraging the gig economy.  

The working environment for nurses continues to strain nurse mental health and their ability to provide the best possible patient care. In fact, ShiftMed's 2022 State of Nursing Survey of 500 U.S. nurses revealed that 40% of nurses believe the nurse shortage has negatively impacted their mental health and 49% cited concern over patients receiving adequate care as a result.