Getting to the grass roots of the nursing shortage.

Providers are familiar with the nursing shortage epidemic in some manner, regardless of the setting in which they work. To date, it appears that strategies to reverse the shortage have been minimally effective. This article stresses the importance of changes in the work environment of care to address the problem. It explores observations of and solutions to the present nursing shortage, based on the author's own expertise and insights as a registered nurse and healthcare consultant. It also stresses the importance of nurses' involvement in any changes that take place.