THE IMPACT OF NURSE SHORTAGE ON PATIENT CARE: A STUDY AT SHARIF MEDICAL HOSPITAL, LAHORE

Abstract

The role of nurses has become increasingly visible, appreciated, and critical during times of scarcity. A nursing shortage occurs when the demand for competent nursing professionals exceeds the available supply. This study aimed to determine the impact of the nursing shortage on patient care in Sharif Medical Complex Hospital and to identify its effects on service quality. A quantitative descriptive research design was used, and a questionnaire was administered to 100 registered nurses and 100 indoor patients. The collected data were tallied, tabulated, and analyzed using weighted mean scores. The findings revealed that the shortage of nurses significantly affects patient care, as increased workload and job-related stress lead to a decline in the quality of healthcare services.