As healthcare systems found themselves in crisis-mode during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for nurses soared. However, it’s not just during a global pandemic when we desperately need nurses. With an aging population and a high rate of nurses reaching retirement age, the demand for nurses in the healthcare industry is ever-present.

Two bills have now been signed into law that will affect nurse staffing. The first bill, which passed in New York, mandates a staffing ratio for nurses, stating that the number of patients assigned to each nurse cannot exceed a certain level. The second law that was signed in New Jersey requires healthcare facilities to provide their nurses with safety devices, including a panic alarm connected to security, a patient lifting and transferring device, and any necessary protective clothing.

These laws aim to protect both nurses and patients, ensuring that nurses are not overstretched and overworked, and subsequently making way for a safer environment for all involved.

However, while these laws are a great step forward, many more need to be passed to ensure that we have enough nurses in the healthcare industry. With reports stating that the demand for nurses will outstrip supply by 2025, it’s imperative that the healthcare industry, in both private and public sectors, begins to invest in their nursing staff and attracts more people to the profession.

Hiring international nurses can be a solution to the shortage of nurses in the US. By utilizing digital marketplaces like NurseContact, hospitals and healthcare facilities can tap into a pool of talent from all over the world. The streamlined hiring process through NurseContact ensures that the hiring of international nurses is an efficient and effective process.

In conclusion, the need for nurses in the healthcare industry has never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the demand for nurses is an ongoing issue, and while laws are being passed to protect and support the nursing workforce, more needs to be done. Utilizing digital marketplaces to hire international nurses can be a successful solution in the fight against the nursing shortage in the US.