Economic Turmoil: The Opportunity for Nursing

Every once in awhile, there is a convergence of circumstances that puts so much pressure on a system that change, managed or not, occurs. To ignore, deny, or resist change in this kind of environment can put the whole system at risk. On the other hand, these can be moments of great opportunity. As pressure grows, the need to find new solutions grows, which can decrease resistance and increase openness. Openness is fertile ground for creativity, innovation, or finally implementing well-understood solutions that have not been embraced or made a priority and, importantly, presents a great opportunity to lead effective change.Whether you are in the throes of the economic turmoil or focused on strategies for weathering the upheaval, business as usual is not the call of the day. More and more hospitals face severe financial challenges amid an unprecedented financial crisis. The global economic situation and the impact on healthcare in and of itself is taxing healthcare executives, but many more factors make today such a unique time, and they all have financial implications.