Survey: Nurse Shortage Shows No Signs of Easing

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Survey: Nurse Shortage Shows No Signs of Easing

May 2, 2023, 08:10 AM by MSDC Staff

Even "post-pandemic", the nation's nurses say they want change. This will impact your medical practice.

A new survey of nurses shows that shortages and changes in the profession will continue into the near future.

AMN Healthcare, a healthcare staffing company, conducted a survey of more than 800,000 nurses in January 2023. The results show:

Only 15% of nurses in hospitals say they will "continue working as I am" in one year. For all employers, that number jumps to 40% but that is a decrease from 2021.
36% of hospital nurses say they will continue as nurses but for a new employer
30% say they will leave their career specifically because of the pandemic, up 7% from two years ago
65% of nurses participate in activities or access resources to address mental health or wellbeing at least weekly.

Of note a number of the survey's responses show an increase in dissatisfaction stemming from the pandemic more so than two years ago when the pandemic was newer.

Physicians should be aware of these types of surveys as it shows the healthcare workforce will continue to see shortages and impediments for the coming years.

See the full survey here.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.