Quiz 4 - Health Care Workforce and the Education of Health Professions

What is the most valuable resource in the health care system?

Health care workers

What determines how good the health care system is?

It is only as good as the people working in it

What is NOT the most valuable resource in health care?

Technology or state-of-the-art facilities

What are the main goals of the lecture?

Discuss U.S. health professions, diversity, roles, accreditation, licensing, financial aspects, burnout, and teamwork

What is the largest health profession?

Registered Nurses (RNs)

How many RNs are licensed in the U.S. (2024)?

3.4 million

Where do RNs work?

59% hospitals, 19% ambulatory, 6% long-term care, 5% government, 3% education

What are LPNs/LVNs?

Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses

How many LPN/LVN jobs exist in the U.S.?

651,400

Where do LPNs/LVNs work?

37% long-term care, 16% hospitals, 12% home care, 12% doctor’s offices, 6% government

When did nursing become a formal profession?

During the Civil War

Who was Clara Barton?

Pioneering nurse, “Angel of the Battlefield,” founder of the American Red Cross

Who was Harriet Tubman in nursing?

Civil War nurse with medicinal knowledge and pension

When was the first formal nursing school opened?

1872

Where was the first state-chartered nursing school?

Women’s Hospital in Philadelphia

How did nursing education evolve?

6 months → 1 year (1873) → 2 years (1877)

What is the oldest continuously operating nursing school?

St. Luke’s School of Nursing (1884, Bethlehem, PA)

What schools were based on Florence Nightingale principles?

Bellevue Hospital School, Connecticut Training School, Boston Training School, New England Hospital

Who was the first trained nurse graduate?

Linda Richards (1873)

Who founded modern nursing?

Florence Nightingale

What was her nickname?

The Lady with the Lamp

When was the first nursing school in the world established?

1860

What are the education levels for nursing (2024)?

BSN 51%, MSN 25%, ADN 18%, LPN/LVN 5%, Diploma 1%

Why is a BSN preferred?

Better outcomes, more autonomy, critical thinking, teamwork, career mobility

What % of employers prefer BSN?

70%

What is Magnet recognition?

Highest award for nursing excellence

Who grants Magnet status?

American Nurses Credentialing Center

What % of hospitals have Magnet status?

9.8%

What are the 5 Magnet components?

Leadership, policy involvement, professional practice, research/technology, quality results

What are advanced practice nursing roles?

CNS, CRNA, CNM, NP

What is the largest APN group?

Nurse Practitioners

How many NPs in 2023?

280,240

Where do NPs work?

51% offices, 24% hospitals, 10% outpatient, others smaller %

When was the first NP program?

1965

Why was it created?

To boost pediatric primary care in underserved areas

How many states allow independent NP practice?

29 + DC

What % of physician tasks can NPs perform?

80%

What is the DNP?

Doctor of Nursing Practice (established 2001)

How many Medical Assistants in 2023?

763,040

Where do they work?

62% offices, 17% hospitals, 10% outpatient

When did MA occupation begin?

WWII

What is MA training?

On-the-job or 1-year vocational

What roles do MAs perform?

Vitals, translation, procedures, labs, patient support

How many physicians in the U.S. (2024)?

1,082,187

Where do physicians work?

55% offices, 27% hospitals

What % are primary care vs specialty?

32% primary, 68% specialty

What are MDs?

Allopathic physicians using conventional medicine

What are DOs?

Osteopathic physicians with holistic focus

What training is required?

Internship (1 year) + residency (3+ years)

How many Physician Assistants in 2023?

145,740

Where do PAs work?

59% offices, 25% hospitals

When was the PA profession created?

1965 at Duke University

Why was it created?

Address physician shortage using military medics

Who accredits PA programs?

ARC-PA

How many PA programs exist (2026)?

322

What is PA training length?

~27 months

Do PAs provide comparable care?

Yes, similar outcomes and satisfaction

How many pharmacists in 2023?

331,700

Where do pharmacists work?

48% retail, 31% hospitals

What degree is required?

Doctor of Pharmacy

What expanded roles do pharmacists have?

Vaccines, smoking cessation, medication management

How many pharmacy technicians in 2023?

460,280

What training do they need?

Certification and accredited program

How many social workers in 2024?

820,900

What % work in health care?

~50%

What do social workers do?

Support services, counseling, abuse investigation

What education do social workers need?

Bachelor’s, often Master’s

What is the financial issue in health professions training?

Rising tuition and debt

Who is most affected?

Lower-income and minority groups

What is the exception?

Residency funded by federal government

What trends exist in gender diversity?

More women entering professions

What % of physicians are women (2025)?

38.5%

What % of medical students are women?

55%

What trends exist in nursing gender?

12.5% of RNs are male

What differences exist for female providers?

More patient interaction, preventative care, but lower pay

What is the diversity issue?

Minorities underrepresented in health professions

What is the diversity index?

Measure of representation (<1 underrepresented)

What % of physicians are internationally trained?

25%

What must international graduates do?

Residency + exams in U.S.

What is burnout?

Mental and emotional exhaustion from stress

What causes burnout?

High demands, low control, financial stress, documentation

What did COVID-19 do?

Increased burnout

What is a furlough?

Temporary unpaid leave

Why were health workers furloughed?

Reduced visits during COVID

What are effects of burnout?

Anxiety, depression, PTSD, reduced care quality

What trend in burnout exists?

Still elevated post-COVID

What are strategies to combat burnout?

Individual (mindfulness) and organizational changes

What is health care teamwork?

Collaboration among professionals

Why is teamwork important?

Improves quality and reduces burnout

What is the challenge in workforce planning?

Determining correct number and roles of workers

What influences health care outcomes?

Workforce composition

What must be improved?

Distribution and diversity of workforce

What is the final takeaway?

Care for health workers to maintain quality care