New Studies Show Nursing Workforce Critical to Success of Hea...( Policy experts examine evidence-based...),Health

Policy experts examine evidence-based nursing solutions that address health care access, quality and cost

WASHINGTON, June 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Health Affairs today unveiled a series of six studies examining the nursing workforce in the context of health reform. The papers were released at a forum presented by Health Affairs and the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA) that featured a lively discussion among policy-makers, nursing leaders and researchers, and health reform experts. The Center is a joint initiative of AARP, the AARP Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

According to one of the studies, the continuing recession will contribute to an easing or temporary end to the current registered nurse (RN) shortage, as older nurses delay retirement or return to work, and part-time nurses seek full-time jobs. However, as the baby boom generation's health needs increase and the economy rebounds, the nursing shortage will intensify again in the next decade, according to the study, which provides detailed workforce and compensation projections. Other studies released at the meeting addressed nursing education, workforce development, increased quality and efficiency and patient satisfaction. The studies are available at http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.28.4.w620/DC2.

"These important findings demonstrate that nurses have developed and implemented innovative models of care that promote the goals of health reform: expanding access, improving quality and safety and reducing costs," said Susan Reinhard, Senior Vice President and Director of the AARP Public Policy Institute and CCNA Chief Strategist.

The forum featured W
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