The healthcare industry is facing a great nursing shortage. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), there will be more registered nurse jobs available through 2022 than any other profession in the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 1.1 million nurses will be needed to avoid a further shortage. Employment opportunities for nurses is expected to grow at a faster rate than any other occupation through 2026.

An aging population, aging work force and burnout are major issues affecting the nursing shortage. Here’s what the healthcare industry is doing to attract new nurses.

Providing a Career Pathway for Nursing Teams

One way healthcare facilities are attracting new nursing talent is by offering a career pathway for their teams. Helping teams map out possible career paths helps retain nurses while promoting growth within the organization.

In some cases, there is an internal transfer process that allows staff members to try out new areas of nursing. This may be available for a limited window every year, or it may run all year long in an effort to attract new nurses.

Gaining a Better Understanding of the Workforce

Healthcare facilities are also working hard to get a better understanding of their workforce. Having a better understanding of their workforce means that they can cultivate a better work environment and benefits that attracts and retains workers.

It’s important for healthcare facilities to create a positive work environment that caters to the nurses’ interests, ages and experience levels.

Many are training and supporting team leaders who can provide support for staff and help managers better understand the needs and worries of nurses.

Targeting Men and Minorities

The nursing field is still dominated by women. In an effort to overcome the shortage and attract new nursing talent, healthcare facilities and schools are targeting men and minorities.

Men only account for a little more than 9% of nurses and about 7% of Licensed Practical Nurses. Yes, we’re seeing an increase in male nurses, and there are now companies dedicated to selling male scrubs. But attracting more male nurses can help overcome the shortage and create a more diverse workforce.

Working to attract minorities will also help the healthcare industry better serve its diverse community.

Being More Flexible

Flexibility is also helping healthcare facilities attract and retain new nurses. Improved flexibility can be something as simple as taking time out to listen to staff needs, or it can mean changing the culture.

Flexible rostering has been very beneficial for some facilities. If team members need to work reduced hours because of families, health or their desires to further their studies, rolling shift patterns allow organizations to meet these needs. This allows employees to enjoy more balance in their lives.

It’s challenging in the short-term, but flexibility will support staff and help facilities better serve the needs of nurses.

Getting Creative with Employee Benefits

One of the more effective ways to attract new nurses and retain talent is by getting creative with employee benefits. The one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective.

Just like with any other profession, nurses are looking for unique benefits packages that allow them to plan for their futures and enjoy better work-life balance.

For those of us who are constantly thinking about the most modern trends – whether it’s the Internet Of Things, blockchain technology, or artificial intelligence – it’s often easy to forget how integral tools have been to human beings and their evolution. In fact, humans have been making stone tools millions of years ago, and the quality of tools ramped up hundreds of thousands of years ago. Of course, if you don’t use a tool for your professional endeavors, this might be hard to remember.

However, it doesn’t matter who or where you are – you will need a tool of some sort at some point. Even for those who would rather hire handymen rather than handle these situations, it benefits families and workplaces to have their own tools on hand at all times. It might be a situation that involve a home repair that has needed attention for a while, or an emergency work repair to make sure that your company maintains its reputation and overall image. Either way, there are certain must-have tools for every individual to keep on hand.

Flat-Head Screwdriver

There are few tools in the world as versatile as a screwdriver, which is why everyone should have one. There are simply so many inventions that involve screws, and tightening or loosening those screws might be essential to repairing and maintaining these particular objects or structures.

If you need to chisel something? A screwdriver can help in that respect. If you even need to scrape some paint off of a wall, a screwdriver can come in handy. Whether it involves furniture, electronics, or changing your air filter – a screwdriver is quite simply absolutely essential.

Claw Hammer

The same way that there are so many devices and objects that have screws – the same is true with nails. That’s why a nail hammer can be absolutely necessary. For home decor – how are you supposed to hang up your paintings and posters without a handy hammer around? The great thing about a claw hammer is that it can always extract nails, when needed, as well.

For those who simply want to improve the decor in their home or work, or are obsessed with DIY projects – it’s pretty much impossible to not have a claw hammer around.

Crescent Wrench

Unless you live in a city where you take public transportation, or have no desire to ever own a car – you will need a crescent wrench. Wrenches adjust nuts and bolts, which are essential to any modern automobile. For those who prefer to live in a more environmentally conscious manner, wrenches are essential for bikes, as well. Wrenches are also often necessary when it comes to furniture and plumbing, as well. It’s definitely needed when changing out a faucet, for example.

More Tools

Of course, these are not the only tools that anyone should own. For those who will never be interested in a DIY project, or hate home repairs – there are still much-needed tools that simply HAVE to be around, no matter who you are, or where you are. Another must-have tool are pliers, often needed for electrical work and to grip more “square” objects. Pliers also come in handy when it comes to cutting wires, as well. A tap and die set is also a must-have tool when it comes to repair, as well. Other tools that will certainly come in handy is a tape measure to improve overall accuracy and save time/energy. It can help determine whether a new TV or cabinet will fit somewhere, for example. A utility knife can also come in handy for all sorts of things, including even cleaning fish, or other culinary uses such as slicing cheese or cutting vegetables. Of course, it can also do wonders in terms of overall scraping, as well.

Although most business etiquette states that gifts for your boss aren’t necessary, it can be a nice gesture for special occasions. However, there are some things you have to remember when it comes to gifting options. Whether you work for a private company, government, or an informal business partnership, below are some guidelines to help you consider what is the appropriate gift for your superiors. 

What are things to remember when buying gifts for your boss?

Follow company guidelines.

The first thing you have to remember is to follow company guidelines in gift-giving. This applies both to your superiors and colleagues. Often, there are certain prices set in company manuals about the kinds of gifts you are allowed to give to your boss. It can be as low as $50, but some allow gifting of luxurious items such as Tudor watches. 

This is your first step to set a price point with your gift before anything else, so as to make sure that you are not breaking any ethical or moral code within your company. 

Consider a group gift.

The main problem of giving a gift to your boss is the impression that you are trying to gain favor. However, when your motives are sincere, it may be best to give a group gift to the company, such as packaged artisan goods or gift bags addressed to your boss’ family. 

This can be a great alternative to avoid issues among your colleagues. Sometimes, you just want to express your gratitude through a simple item on a special occasion–and that’s not bad–as long as you stick with the guidelines or maybe presenting a gift that your boss’ whole family can enjoy. 

Do not showcase it for everyone to see.

When you present a gift to your boss, do not give it at times where the spotlight is towards you. It can cause problems and rumors, and may even blur the lines of ethical gift-giving. 

If you really have sincere intentions about giving a present to your superiors, it is best to give them discreetly. You can show up at their desk and give the gift after a short talk, or you can present the item before leaving an event. This way, the spotlight won’t be focused too much on the act of gift-giving itself, but the thoughtfulness and gratitude that shines through you. 

Your job is not to impress.

Impressing your boss with something completely out of your budget can be questionable when it comes to business etiquette. Not only does this come across as “humble-bragging”, but it can also send signals to your colleagues about a smug attitude. 

Again, having the right intentions must be emphasized. When thinking about something to give to your boss, do not have the mindset that he or she has to be totally floored–all you have to do is bring good vibes and send a thoughtful gesture along the way. This is completely subjective, but it would help to place yourself in your boss’ shoes if you were to receive the gift. 

Cash is a no-no.

This may be silly, but did you know that there are actual instances where employees give cash gifts to their boss? Ironic as it may sound, some employees think that cash is something pleasing to the one presenting them their paychecks. 

As a matter of fact, many bosses feel degraded when they receive cash as a gift. Not only is it demeaning, but it also shows a lack of thoughtfulness and effort in the part of the giver. It’s better to give nothing at all than to give cash to a superior. A better idea would be to give gift certificates which are equivalent to cash. 

Don’t give verbal promises as gifts.

Sure, it may seem unique, but giving verbal promises as a gift spells miscommunication. Your boss may interpret what you said as one way, and you could have meant a completely opposite idea. This is something you have to avoid if you want less conflict in the workplace. 

Instead of verbal commitments, it may be better to hand out a “thank you” card with a thoughtful gift. 

Remember these tips, and you’ll be a gift-giving pro not just towards your boss, but also towards your colleagues in the workplace.