How do hospitals deal with nursing shortages? Insights from the northern German-Dutch border region

Abstract

Abstract Background In many countries, hospitals are confronted with nursing shortages. So are hospitals in Germany and the Netherlands as neighboring countries with dire consequences for the hospital. Simultaneously, competition for nurses is high, and hospitals are looking for innovative measures to deal with nursing shortages. This study examines how nursing shortages affect hospitals in the Northern German-Dutch border region and what strategies they use to attract and retain nurses. Methods A sequential mixed-methods study with n = 55 key informants (e.g., nursing directors or human resources managers) from hospitals in the northern German-Dutch border region was conducted. Data was collected by questionnaire followed by qualitative interviews from April to August 2023. The survey data was analyzed descriptively and the interview data via content analysis. To integrate the qualitative and quantitative results, joint displays were used. The quantitative and preliminary qualitative results will be presented at the conference. Preliminary results First descriptive results indicate that nursing shortages are associated with an increase in overtime, a rise in sick leave and a worsening of the working climate. Preliminary data suggests that recruiting via personal contacts and via social media is seen as an effective recruitment measure to tackle nurse shortages. However, cross-border recruitment of Dutch or German nurses is hardly used by the hospitals. To retain nurses, the interviewed key informants pointed out the importance of flexible working hours, professional development, and a good working climate. Conclusions As nurse shortages affect nurses and patient care in hospitals likewise, hospitals are forced to invest in positive and healthy workplaces to attract and retain nurses. The study therefore supports hospitals in the northern German-Dutch border region in sharing best practices and is a starting point to encourage hospitals in exchanging ideas across the border. Key messages • Cross-border comparison of nurse shortages shows that Dutch and German hospitals face similar challenges. • Potential for addressing the nursing shortage arises from cross-border recruitment of German or Dutch nurses.