Instead of studying the connection between hospital staffing shortages and patient outcomes and satisfaction, it's time to implement effective strategies that focus on solutions. 

At least three states have taken disciplinary action against nurses who allegedly purchased fraudulent degree documents through a recently uncovered scheme.

Burnout, violence and staffing shortages are just a few of the most pressing challenges the nation's 4 million nurses are facing. It's no question that these are pertinent to address across the healthcare sector nationwide, but what remains to be agreed upon is a clear path forward in doing so for compounding, complex issues.

Twenty-two Georgia nurses who allegedly purchased fraudulent degree documents through a recently uncovered scheme have been asked to surrender their licenses, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV. 

Thibodaux, La.-based Nicholls State University named Raquel Engolio, EdD, RN, dean of nursing.

Here are six organizations opening or expanding nursing programs: 

More than one-third of aspiring nurses who allegedly purchased phony degrees to bypass coursework and training required to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination passed the test, The New York Times reported Jan. 27.  

As state and federal investigations into a fraudulent nurse degree scheme continue, the Delaware Board of Nursing confirmed it has annulled the nursing licenses of 26 individuals, ABC affiliate WPVI reported Jan. 26.

State nursing boards are investigating individuals who allegedly purchased fraudulent nursing school degrees and diplomas as part of a widespread coordinated scheme, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing told Becker's Jan. 26. 

Forty-one percent of nurses nationwide do not feel prepared for a future variant, surge or pandemic, data from the American Nurses Foundation's survey revealed.

By and large, nurses want to be involved in decisions that affect their daily practice at the bedside, with recent evidence suggesting it may even combat burnout.

As the American Medical Association works to block state laws from broadening the scope of advanced practice registered nurses, six states have explored expanding APRNs' roles.

Depression is prevalent among nurse practitioners, but these burned out professionals are reluctant to reach out for mental healthcare — instead choosing to embrace "maladaptive" personal coping skills including drinking and binge eating, according to a Medscape report.

Here are four nurses who have made headlines for their leadership efforts on and off the job since January 1: 

With nursing burnout at an all-time high nationwide, the American Nurses Association is looking at solutions to provide support — one of which is through a free burnout prevention program for all members.

Hospitals should look to nurse practitioners in 2023 to help fill gaps created by the surging shortage of primary and mental healthcare professionals throughout the U.S., according to a Jan. 18 statement by the president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Despite the compounding challenges of leading a team with upward of 93,000 nurses amid national staffing strains, an incessant pandemic and high burnout rates for the profession, Sammie Mosier, BSN, chief nurse executive at Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, remains passionate and optimistic. 

Here are five organizations opening or expanding nursing programs: 

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical and health services managers and physical therapist assistants are among the top 20 fastest growing jobs, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Hospitals have leaned on wage increases and contract workers as short-term solutions to the nation's nursing shortage, but these actions fail to address many of the issues that are spurring nurses to leave the bedside for roles with better hours and less stress.