Impact of Nursing Staff Shortage on the Quality of Care in Emergency Departments

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are critical access points for urgent healthcare, yet they face an escalating shortage of nursing staff that threatens patient safety and care quality. This article investigates the multifaceted impact of nursing shortages in EDs, drawing on recent quantitative studies, qualitative nurse experiences, and case analyses from diverse healthcare settings. Findings indicate that inadequate nurse staffing leads to prolonged wait times, delayed treatments, increased patient departures without being seen, and a higher incidence of adverse clinical events such as medication errors and cardiac arrests. The shortage also drives nurse burnout and turnover, perpetuating a vicious cycle that further compromises care delivery. Financial repercussions for hospitals include lost revenue due to unstaffed beds and reduced capacity. The article concludes by discussing systemic factors underpinning the shortage and highlighting evidence-based interventions to improve recruitment, retention, and operational efficiency in emergency nursing. This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to safeguard care quality in emergency departments.