Question 1
Nurses form the largest group of the health care professionals who provide direct patient care in hospitals. The performance of the nursing staff dictates the quality of care for hospital patients. Over the past few decades, hospitals all over the world have faced cyclical shortages of nurses. Currently, the shortage of nurses is driven by various factors including fewer workers, unsatisfying work environments, and the aging workforce. Few new nurses are trained, probably because of lack of enough nursing school faculty, and the newly educated nurses are reluctant to make their careers in hospitals.
Question 2
This article highlights the developments in the nursing discipline in Australia. It looks at the nursing educational programs, research, organizations, and registration. It also discusses the current issues in the Australian nursing and health care. Findings show that there are numerous opportunities offered in Australia by the complete transfer of registered nursing education into higher education sector. Nursing research has flourished and the concept of nursing as "an emerging discipline" has opened up numerous opportunities for growth and expansion. The major challenge, however, relates to the recruitment and retention of the qualified nursing staff.
Question 3
The most critical aspect of the shadow side of leadership is its cost. Victims suffer psychological distress and low self-esteem, are less productive, less satisfied with their jobs and lives, and more likely to quit (Sage Publications, 2011).
References
Sage Publications (2011).The Leader’s Light or Shadow. Retrieved October 14, 2012 from http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/39589_Chapter1.pdf
Stein-Parbury, J. (2000). Nursing Around The World: Australia. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 5(2). Retrieved October 14, 2012 from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume52000/No2May00/NursinginAustralia.html
