To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurse labor supply and wage dynamics, particularly focusing on how federal relief funds can mitigate staffing shortages.
Key Findings:
The model accurately reproduces observed dynamics for staff and travel nurse workforce participation and wages during the pandemic, with significant implications for rural and safety-net hospitals.
Unrestricted reimbursement from relief funds reduces immediate staffing gaps but encourages excessive reliance on contract labor.
Stringent requirements for fund applications may deter legitimate applications, especially from rural and safety-net hospitals.
Interpretation:
The model demonstrates the feasibility of simulating epidemiological dynamics and nurse labor market responses in a unified framework, providing valuable insights for future public health emergencies.
Limitations:
The model focuses on short-term dynamics rather than long-term structural changes in the nursing workforce.
It does not explicitly model epidemiological trends but relies on historical time-series data.
The model's assumptions regarding nurse behavior may limit its applicability.
Conclusion:
The findings contribute to understanding the interaction between epidemiological trends and nurse labor supply, aiding in preparedness for future health crises.
