The long-term effects of the shortage of nurse educators on healthcare are profound:
1. Worsening Nursing Shortage: Fewer nurse graduates mean fewer professionals available to meet the growing healthcare demands, particularly as the population ages. 2. Decreased Quality of Care: A lack of well-trained nurses can lead to lower quality of patient care and increased healthcare errors. 3. Increased Burnout: Existing nurses may face higher workloads, leading to burnout and higher turnover rates.