Why Are Nurses In High Demand? Is there a nursing shortage affecting us? How does this affect health care?These are questions that anyone in the healthcare ecosystem ponders. For many medical professionals, institutions and researchers, we are talking about years. And the findings or answers are as complex and important as the questions themselves.
Nursing has always been associated more with a vocation than with a profession. But it has evolved so much that, today, nurses make up nearly 50% of the healthcare workforce and are crucial to the entire healthcare industry in the United States.
Let's find out which US states suffer the most, what are the causes and what are the solutions.
According to the American Nurses Association, nurses will be in high demand for a while, with more jobs available through 2022than any other profession in the US. Furthermore, the World Health Organization reportedthat there are approximately 29 million nurses and midwives worldwide, with 3.9 million in the US and over a million additional RNs needed by next year.
So yes, being a nurse is a wonderful calling and one of the fastest growing occupations in the US, according to BLS employment projections for 2018-2028.
At first glance, the predictions are encouraging (at least for potential nursing students). However, the healthcare system faces very multifaceted problems that need to be addressed promptly to prevent the nursing shortage from getting worse.
While BLS statistics suggest continued growth in employment, healthcare professionals, administrations, and communities must address all factors contributing to nursing shortages to actually meet these projections.
Especially since, on a larger scale, the bigger problem is “the uneven distribution of the nursing workforce in the United States”. While the Nursing Workforce Supply and Demand Projections: 2014-2030outstanding,the nursing workforce has a greater problem with distribution across states than with proportion at the national level.
What are the factors that have led to such a high demand for nursing professionals, which states have the greatest shortage of registered nurses, and what are the solutions and efforts to address this?
Why is there a nursing shortage in the US?
In short, it is a promising time for any aspiring nurse, but also for professionals who are aiming for key positions in educational, administrative and managerial areas, due to the retirement of experienced nurses.
The US RN workforce is estimated to grow 28%, from approximately 2.8 million to 3.6 million by 2030, needing over 200,000 RNs annually to replace the retiring generation,as HRSA projections show.
Even if most US states meet the demand, there are some regions, such as the southern and western parts of the country, that are expected to experience a greater shortage of registered nurses.
As the average patient is older and requires complex care, the nursing staff needs to be larger and better trained for challenging environments, more difficult patients, higher standards and new technologies.
But the list of factors contributing to nursing shortages is much longer:
- The aging of the population that changes the demography:As people age, the demand for complex care (especially for various chronic conditions) grows. At the same time, the number of Americans over 65 will nearly double by 2050.
- The retirement of more than 1 million nurses by 2030(according to the HRSA study in 2017). This process challenges the health sector with more than 50% of RNs aged 50 and over(the average age of RNs is 51), according to the National Nursing Workforce Study, whilethe number of nurses leaving the workforce has doubled since 2010, according to health economist David Auerbach to study.
- Nursing school enrollments aren't growing fast enoughto meet projected demand for RN and APRN services, and the healthcare industry needs more nurse educators, researchers, and primary care providers.
- The lack of nursing professorsdirectly affects the number of future nurses and RNs enrolled each year. According to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses reporton Enrollment and Graduation in Nursing,more than 75,000 qualified applicants from bachelor's and graduate nursing programs were rejected in 2018, due to scarcity of teachers and clinical sites, insufficient classroom space and budget.
- Burnout and stress level for nursesdue to understaffing affects job satisfaction, forcing many RNs to change or leave this profession. There are a plethora of data-driven studies that show how improving nursing skills (through higher education), empowering RNs, and balancing the patient ratio have been associated with better patient outcomes, fewer medical errors, and lower rates of nursing. of patient mortality. And, of course, decrease the nursing shortage.
When did the nursing shortage start?
Registered nurses are an important segment of essential personnel in the health care system. As a result, the lack of sufficient staff has deeply affected hospitals since 1998.
It is not, however, the first time that such a deficit has arisen – since the mid-1930s, this phenomenon has persisted for social, economic, technological or historical reasons (especially during wars), and has been fought in various ways: better wages, improvement or modern medical settings, financing and accelerating nursing education, and other similar strategies.
While there are much larger numbers of registered nurses active today, it is the demand that has critically increased. And when you put all the pieces of the puzzle together – growing demand for nurses, high numbers of professionals retiring, a severe shortage of nursing faculty, growing patient needs that are becoming increasingly difficult for overly staffed stressed – what you get is far from a comforting picture of the American health care system.
As nursing shortages vary profoundly by region and demographics, let's take a look at which states need nurses the most, then look at the impact and possible solutions.
Nursing shortage by state: which regions suffer the most?
It is interesting to note how nearly four million registered nurses are dispersed so differently across the United States. community medical needs.
We can also see big differences in nursing specialties, with many states needing more intensive care and labor and delivery nurses. But in general,there is a growing need for RNs and APRNs in areas with high retiree populations.
Which states have a shortage of nurses?
According to the comprehensive Nursing Workforce Supply and Demand Projections: 2014-2030 report issued in August 2018, there are large differences between states regarding the projected number of RNs for 2030 (numbers are calculated for full-time equivalent).
Tops list of states projected to have the greatest nursing shortagein 2030 it isCalifornia(facing an estimated shortfall of 44,500 RNs), which is nearly three times the shortfall in the next several states suffering from shortages:Texas(projected deficit of 15,900),New Jersey(projected deficit of 11,400) andCarolina do Sul(projected nursing deficit of 10,400).
At the opposite pole, among the states with the lowest nursing deficit are Florida,with an estimated surplus of 53,700 NBs for 2030, followed by Ohio(estimated surplus of 49,100 NBs),Virginia(estimated surplus of 22,700 NBs)it's New York(with 18,200 extra nurses in 2030).
Below you will find an alphabetical list showing the projected supply and demand for Registered Nurses through 2030.
It is important to note that the study made the projections for 2030 with the hypothesis that the supply and demand of each state were equal in 2014.
Projected nursing shortage by state (2030)
Alabama
In the South, Alabama is projected to have a supply of 85,100 registered nurses to cover a demand of 79,800 – so there will not be a shortage, but a surplus of 5,300 RNs by 2030.
Alaska
Projected demand for 23,800 would be met by only 18,400 nurses, so the nursing shortage in Alaska by 2030 would be 5,400 RNs.
Arizona
This western state is projected to have a surplus of 1,200 nurses, with a supply of 99,900 and a demand of 98,700 RNs by 2030.
Arkansas
In this southern region, we will have a surplus of 9,800 NBs, due to the projected demand of 32,300 nurses that would be covered by a supply of 42,100 professionals by 2030.
California
The state of California will face the biggest nursing shortage by 2030, according to national reports, with 44,500 RNs needed. The projected demand of 387,900 professionals will not be met by the 343,400 nurses estimated for the market so far.
Colorado
In this western state, there will be a surplus of 9,300 nurses by 2030. Projections show a supply of 72,500 nurses to cover the estimated 63,200 RN vacancies.
Connecticut
Projections show a demand of 40,000 that would be met by 43,500 nurses, so we will see a nursing surplus of 3,500 RNs by 2030.
Delaware
This state will face a demand for 12,800 nurses that would be covered by a supply of 14,000 by 2030, leaving a surplus of 1,200 nurses.
District of Colombia
There are notable differences here. With a demand of just 2,300 registered nurses but a supply of 8,800 in the District of Columbia, there would be a surplus of 6,500 RNs by 2030.
Florida
Another famous southern state that will see a large surplus of RNs is Florida. With demand of 240,000 and supply of 293,000, the estimated number is around 53,700 extra nurses by 2030.
Georgia
In Georgia, we will see a shortage of 2,200 nurses by 2030, due to the difference between a supply of 98,800 and a greater demand of 101,000 nurses.
hawaii
It seems that, for Hawaii too, nursing projections look optimistic. The demand of 16,500 professionals will be easily met by the 19,800 of the labor market in 2030, leaving a surplus of 3,300 NBs.
Idaho
Additionally, in Idaho, there will be an additional 3,600 nurses by 2030. The supply of 18,900 registered nurses would cover the demand for 15,300 needed professionals.
Illinois
The Midwest state will have a supply of 143,000 nurses that could cover the demand for 139,400. That's why Illinois will potentially have a surplus of 3,600 nurses by 2030.
Indiana
Another US state in the Midwest region that will have a surplus is Indiana, with 14,000 extra nurses by 2030. That's because the projected supply of 89,300 nurses is expected to cover the demand for 75,300 RNs.
Iowa
Iowa will have 14,000 extra nurses by 2030. The projected supply of 35,300 nurses is expected to be covered by 45,400 RNs.
Kansas
We find another large surplus of 12,600 nurses by 2030 in Kansas, where projections show a demand for 34,900 registered nurses but a supply of 47,500 to cover it.
Kentucky
In the South, we will have a surplus of 10,500 registered nurses by 2030. Projections show a demand of 53,700 RNs and supply of 64,200 in Kentucky.
Louisiana
In the same region, Louisiana would face a demand for 49,700 nurses but a supply of 52,000, so there is no projected nursing shortage here for 2030. Rather, there looks to be an extra 2,300 nurses over the next decade.
Maine
Projections show a demand of 16,500 that would be met by 21,200 nurses, therefore, there will be a nursing surplus of 4,700 NBs by 2030.
Maryland
Another Southern state that will actually have extra nurses by 2030 is Maryland, with a surplus of 12,100 professionals. This is due to projected demand of 73,900 nurses and a supply of 86,000 in the area.
Massachusetts
Projections show a demand of 89,300 by 2030, which would be covered by 91,300 nurses, so Massachusetts would see a nursing surplus of 2,000 RNs.
Michigan
For this state, the projected supply of 110,500 nurses would cover the demand for 104,400 professionals by 2030, with an estimated 6,100 extra nurses in ten years.
Minnesota
Another small but important surplus will be in Minnesota, with 3,100 extra nurses. The demand of 68,700 nurses would be met by 71,800 NBs by 2030.
Mississippi
This US state would face a demand of just 35,300 nurses to be served by 42,500 professionals, leaving a surplus of 7,200 RNs by 2030.
Missouri
The demand for 73,200 nurses, while the supply is 89,900, shows that in Missouri we will see a large surplus of 16,700 RNs by 2030.
Montana
This state will have the lowest nurse surplus of 200, but it's still good. Supply and demand are close as numbers: 12,300 and 12,100, respectively.
Nebraska
Although the differences seem small, Nebraska would have an extra 3,500 nurses by 2030. The projected supply of 24,700 would cover the demand for 21,200 nurses.
Nevada
Here in the West, we will see a surplus of 8,100 registered nurses by 2030. Projections show a demand of 25,800 RNs and a supply of 33,900,200 in Nevada.
New Hampshire
Projections show a demand of 20,200 nurses by 2030, which would be served by 21,300 NBs, therefore, this Northeastern state will have a nursing surplus of 1,100 registered nurses.
New Jersey
Another Northeast state, this time with a projected shortage of 11,400 nurses by 2030, is New Jersey. The report shows a demand of 102,200 nurses that would be served by 90,800 by 2030.
New Mexico
Another western state with an excess of nurses is New Mexico. Projections show an extra 9,700 nurses by 2030, with a demand of 21,600 RNs and a supply of 31,300.
new York
This large city will have a demand of 195,200 nurses that could be served by 213,400 professionals, so there is no projected shortage, but a surplus of 18,200 RNs.
North Caroline
With a supply of 135,100 nurses and a projected demand of 118,600, North Carolina could have a surplus of 26,500 RNs by 2030.
Dakota do Norte
The difference between supply and demand is small in this state: with 9,900 nurses to cover 9,200 jobs in demand by 2030. There will be a surplus of 700 professionals by then.
Ohio
Things are looking good for Ohio State. With a demand of 132,800 nurses to be met by 181,900 NBs by 2030, there will be a surplus of 49,100 professionals over the next ten years.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there will also be some projected extra nurses: 5,500 RNs, to be specific. The demand for 40,600 nurses will be covered by the estimated 46,100 in Oklahoma by 2030.
Oregon
In this western state, we will see a surplus of 2,500 registered nurses by 2030. Projections show a demand for 38,600 RNs and a supply of 41,100 in Kentucky.
pennsylvania
This state would have to meet a demand of 160,300 nurses with 168,500 nurses by 2030, so there is no projected shortage, but a surplus of 8,200 RNs.
Rhode Island
This state would have to meet a demand of 12,500 with 15,000 registered nurses by 2030, so there is no projected nursing shortage either, but actually a surplus of 2,500 RNs.
Carolina do Sul
The Southern state will have to meet a demand of 62,500 RNs with the help of only 52,100 nurses by 2030, so there is an estimated large nursing shortage here of 10,400 nurses needed.
Dakota do Sul
Projections show a demand of 13,600 nurses and a supply of just 11,700, which leaves a shortage of 1,900 nurse practitioners by 2030 in South Dakota.
Tennessee
This state will effectively meet the demand of 82,200 nurses with a supply of 90,600. There will be more nurses in Tennessee, with an estimated 8,400 ready to work by 2030.
Texas
Texas will face a greater nursing shortage than other US states through 2030. The projected supply of 252,400 nurses would not cover the estimated need of 269,300.
Utah
Utah will have a supply of 33,500 registered nurses and a demand of 29,400 by 2030. Projections show an extra 4,100 nurses.
Vermont
This Northeastern state will have to meet a demand of 6,800 NBs with the help of 9,300 nurses by 2030, so there is also no forecast of a shortage, but rather a surplus of 2,500 nurses.
Virginia
This state will enroll up to 22,700 extra nurses by 2030, according to projections. With 109,200 to cover the 86,500 nurses in demand, Virginia is among the top states with more nurses than needed.
Washington
Washington is projected to face a demand of 79,100 RNs but a supply of 85,300 by 2030, leaving a surplus of 6,200 nurses available in the workforce.
West Virginia
Things are looking good in West Virginia. With a projected supply of 25,200 to cover the demand for 20,800 nurses, the number of extra nurses rises to 4,400 by 2030.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, we will see a surplus of 6,200 RNs, thanks to projected demand for 72,000 nurses to be served by a number of 78,200 by 2030.
Wyoming
This state will see a growing workforce, with 5,500 nurses in demand and 8,300 in supply, leaving another large surplus of 2,800 nurses by 2030.
The impact of the nursing shortage
Not only the national shortage of nursing professionals, but also the large gaps between supply and demand projects for various US states are important factors to consider when looking for the best solutions to solve the national nursing shortage.
Another thing to consider when ranking the top states with the greatest nursing shortages is the size of the workforce and the demand/supply percentage must be taken into account. (This is not just the number of nurses needed, but also the number of nurses needed related to the overall size of the workforce.)
For example, California has the highest nursing shortage by numbers (a deficit of 44,500), but 11.2% of demand will be met in 2030. On the other hand, Alaska suffers the highest percentage of demand at 22.7%, although the number of nurses needed in 2030 would be just 5,400 RNs.
Thus, we can say that the states most affected by the nursing shortage are Alaska (losing 22.7% of the workforce), South Carolina (16.6%), South Dakota (14%), California (11.5 %), New Jersey (11.2%) and Texas (5.9%).
At the other extreme, we have Wyoming (50.9%), New Mexico (44.9%), Ohio (37%), Vermont (36.8%) and Kansas (36.1%) as the states projected to have many nurses.
Nuances of nursing shortage
The nursing shortage, unfortunately, is not a simple black and white issue. Even in states where supply exceeds demand, severe shortages are still common, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns.
New nursing graduates are generally interested in working in urban areas, where they have easier access to better-paying jobs and enjoy a greater number of job opportunities, leaving hospitals in rural areas understaffed.
The lack of professionals is not the only problem faced by smaller cities. Rural areas generally have more residents over the age of 65 compared to urban and suburban areas. Additionally, the older population in suburban counties has increased due to the large share of adults moving.
Thus, rural hospitals (even in states that predict a surplus of nurses by 2030) find themselves in an uncomfortable situation: more and more people to care for, most of them elderly and with specific health problems, and no nurses to fill the vacancies . So the predictions remain bleak: rural areas across the country have nursing shortages to worry about.
Factors leading to nursing shortages
The impact of such sizable gaps in the nursing workforce, but also ofthe many factors that contribute to the national nursing shortage,it's tremendous.
- Ashortage of nursing professorsthat keeps many aspiring nurses away
The current shortage of faculty in nursing schools across the country is one of the most critical issues facing this profession. With an increasingly elderly population and many experienced professionals retiring each year, academia is the hardest hit.
Teacher shortages are limiting enrollment and the number of graduates a school can provide, at a time when the need for RNs continues to grow. That's why becoming a nursing educator after graduating from aprograma MSNit is a superior career choice for the future.
- Low quality of care and patient safety, affected byhigher ratios of patients to nurses
O National Institute for Excellence in Health and Caredetails how, if the ratio of eight patients per nurse is exceeded, the hospital is exposed to great risks, while mandatory staffing policies in the US set a limit of four to seven patients per nurse in acute settings.
In clinical settings with high patient-to-nurse ratios, RNs suffer from burnout, frustration, and dissatisfaction when trying to meet the needs of others. This situation leads to errors, higher morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, an inadequate staffing rate can also lead to higher redemption failure rates.
Learn more about how nurse education improves patient outcomes.
- Insufficient number of NBsemployee
As the population ages, the need for health services increases. With an aging population suffering from complex health issues (such as chronic conditions) and the need for more advanced long-term care, an increasing volume of skilled nurses is badly needed in most parts of the US rather than adding more care staff. to the team.
- exhausted nurse
While this healthcare profession is valuable, meaningful and well-paid work, the nursing shortage especially affects bedside care. Because of this deficit, RNs often have to work longer hours under very stressful conditions, which often leads to burnout. More than 15% of nurses report experiencing burnout at work, according to a 2019 study. Sure enough, nurses who suffer from burnout demonstrate a diminished ability to care for themselves and their patients. Furthermore, one-fifth of nurses working in emergency departments stated that they did not feel engaged at work, which is not a good sign when it comes to keeping their jobs.
If we also consider the verbal violence or emotional aggression present in some health care environments, mainly due to difficult patients (especially in the psychiatric and emergency department), it is understandable that nurses in a situation of burnout may decide to leave the profession after a time.A 2018 survey concluded that more than ⅔ of nurses had been harassed by a patient, and another 2017 survey found that more than 40% of nurses had experienced verbal bullying.
Solutions to the nursing shortage
This national issue within the health care ecosystem needs sustained efforts in multiple directions including education, policies and regulations, delivery systems, strong collaboration between nursing leaders, educational institutions, government and media.
These collaborative efforts appear to be directed towards various long-term and short-term solutions, such as:
- Appropriate patient to nurse ratios
Nursing staff is a crucial health policy that ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care, as the Institute of Medicine concluded in its reports. These policies depend on many factors and can be decided by healthcare professionals. Fortunately, a growing number of US states have begun to act and introduce legislation to ensure an optimal nurse-patient relationship.
However, it is up to each state to decide whether the staff is appropriate for the patient's needs and high quality care, while the American Nurses Association prefers to leave the decision to the nurses working in each hospital, as they know best all aspects of your workplace.
One exception is California, which has legally established minimum nurse-to-patient ratios to be followed at all times: The ratio in an intensive care unit must be 1:2 or less, while for emergency departments, the ratio must be of 1:4 or less. As a result of the passage of this legislation in California, nursing employment increased by 15%. Additionally, rates of occupational illness and injury have dropped by 30% among nurses.
- Opportunities for nurses who want to become teacher educators
Solving the teacher shortage will help solve the general nursing shortage - there is a growing demand for MSN-level nursing professionals to educate the next generation.
According to the AACN’s 2018-2019 Bachelor’s and Graduate Nursing Program Enrollment and Degree Report, “Schools of nursing rejected 75,029 qualified applicants from bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs in 2018 due to a insufficient number of faculty, clinical locations, classroom space, preceptors, and budget constraints”.
Some states are already focusing on providing job opportunities for students who choose to become nursing faculty after graduation. We at Nightingale offer the online servicePrograma MSNEdfor future nurses who aspire to work in a non-clinical environment, where they can guide new generations of nurses. Becoming a nurse educator is an ideal choice for many people, being one of the least stressful and well-paying nursing jobs.
Learn how to become a nurse educator online at Nightingale College.
- nurse empowerment
Institutions and facilities must focus more on understanding the needs of RNs working in stressful workplaces to ensure they can provide the highest quality and safest care to all patients over the long term. To succeed, working in a motivating and enabling environment has been proven to sustain these efforts.
Fortificationand more autonomy, including in deciding staffing ratios, can critically reduce the level of burnout and the desire to leave the profession. A sure way for hospitals to achieve this goal is to earn Magnet Recognition. This means that 100% of nurse managers have a BSN degree or higher and must provide proof of plans to grow their BSN workforce to 80% by 2020.
Find out what a BSN diploma is and how it can help your career as a nurse.
- Facilitating access to education for more aspiring nurses
There is a growing number of nursing education establishments and programs that aim to fill all vacancies and also attract more aspiring nurses. With multiple enrollment periods each year, these educational efforts are trying to generate as many trained nurses as possible.
Access to education is now simplified throughaccreditedhybrid or online programsthat prepare future nurses wherever they are,in addition to face-to-face programs. These options are ideal for anyone who works or has a busy schedule andI want to get a BSN, but also for aspiring professionals, in order to lessen the impact of nursing shortages. At the same time, these nursing programs offer hands-on training through experiential learning.
Find out which nursing program is right for you at Nightingale.
- Financial aid for nurses who wish to continue their studies and perform advanced functions
Offering as many opportunities as possible to nursing professionals is another solution to solving the nursing shortage in the United States. For example, nurses may not leave their profession if they feel valued in their work.
This is why many schools and educational institutions offer financial aid, grants and scholarships, as well as loan programs for aspiring nurses or nurses who want to achieve specialized positions with more autonomy and responsibilities through a BSN or MSN program. .
No wonder the World Health Organization chose 2020 as the year“Year of the Nurse and Midwife,”honoring the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. WHO will also release the first State of Global Nursing and Midwifery Reports 2020 to strengthen the nursing profession and its implications and address the large RN deficit in the US.
Strengthening these efforts at all levels and working towards more accessible education and better policies to ensure optimal conditions and high quality patient care will help nurses pursue their dream careers with more flexibility and motivation, slowly and surely resolving the national nursing shortage.
FAQs
What is the ANA nursing shortage Statistics 2022? ›
High Employment Demand for Nurses
According to the American Nurses Association, by 2022, there will be a need for 3.44 million nurses. That's a 20.2 percent increase in RNs, with the demand for an additional 1.13 million nurses by 2022.
California has the worst nursing shortage in the United States. It's predicted that by 2030, California will be in need of over 44,000 nurses.
How many people are in the nursing shortage in 2022? ›In March 2022, the American Nurses Foundation and the American Nurses Association released the results of its COVID-19 Impact Assessment Survey, which found that 52% of nurses are considering leaving their current position due primarily to insufficient staffing, work negatively affecting health and well-being, and ...
What is the nursing shortage statistics? ›| Projected Supply | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 343,400 | (11.5%) |
| Texas | 253,400 | (5.9%) |
| New Jersey | 90,800 | (11.2%) |
| South Carolina | 52,100 | (16.6%) |
The national nursing shortage dates back decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it to crisis levels. One study predicts that, in the next two years, there will be a shortage of up to 450,000 bedside nurses in the U.S. In countries around the world, medical workers are pleading for more support.
Why is there a nursing shortage in 2022? ›There have been decreases in new enrollments and graduations from RN education programs over the past two years, although numbers of applications continue to rise. Together, these changes have led to a reduction in the supply of RNs compared with previous projections. A shortage of RNs is estimated to exist in 2022.
What state has the lowest paying nurses? ›The lowest-paying states are South Dakota ($60,540), Alabama ($61,920), Mississippi ($63,130), Iowa ($64,990), and Arkansas ($65,810).
What state is the easiest to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
How can we solve the nursing shortage? ›- 1 | Listening to Nurses Concerns. ...
- 2 | Prioritizing Workplace Culture Increases Retention. ...
- 3 | Prioritizing Nurse Retention Levels. ...
- 4 | Increasing Diversity in the Nursing Student Body. ...
- 5 | Addressing the Need for More Nurse Educators. ...
- 6 | Using Innovation to Address the Nursing Shortage.
Why do so many nursing students drop out? ›
Some of the common reasons nurses drop out of nursing school include poor time management skills, overwhelming stress, bad study habits, and difficulty taking the new NCLEX-style questions on exams.
Why did the nursing shortage start? ›The Beginning of the Shortage
This is exactly what happened in the mid-1930s, when several technological, economic, and health care-related events combined to increase the demand for registered nurses and to lay the groundwork for a shortage.
Statistics show the nursing shortage is still a crisis, but 2023 could be a turning point. Front-line nurses don't need numbers to know that the nursing shortage is wreaking havoc on their workplaces. Nevertheless, the data do make a convincing case that it's past time to get serious about making changes.
Is there a nursing shortage 2023? ›The percentage of nurses who said they were satisfied with the quality of care they provide also decreased from 75% in 2021 to 64% in 2023. About 94% of those surveyed said there was a severe or moderate shortage of nurses in their area, with half saying the shortage was severe, per the survey.
What is the average age of a nurse? ›Average Age Of Nurses
The average age of a registered nurse in the United States is 44, though this may change as the demand for nurses increases.
Some of the factors that have affected supply and demand of nursing candidates have included: Aging baby boomers in need of more medical services. A significant percentage of nurses nearing retirement age. Bottlenecks in nursing education constraining the talent pipeline.
Is nursing worth it 2023? ›Yes, becoming a nurse is worth it for many students. Nursing is a popular career path because nursing skills are needed in a variety of settings.
Are nursing students in decline? ›Most individuals pursuing a career as a registered nurse in the U.S. enter the profession with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree offered at 844 colleges and universities. Data from AACN's Fall 2022 survey show that enrollment in BSN programs declined by 1.4% or 3,518 students from 2021 to 2022.
Is being a nurse worth it 2022? ›Reasons to Consider a Nursing Career in 2022
The nursing profession is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and respectable jobs out there. Nurses are vitally important in all sorts of healthcare settings, just as much as doctors and surgeons, and they often work in an even more hands-on way with patients.
Nationally, more than 210,000 nursing home jobs were lost during the pandemic. About 85% of nursing homes are facing staffing shortages, and at the current pace, nursing homes would need four years to return to pre-pandemic workforce levels.
What are the four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States? ›
Four challenges face the nursing workforce of today and tomorrow: the aging of the baby boom generation, the shortage and uneven distribution of physicians, the accelerating rate of registered nurse retirements, and the uncertainty of health care reform.
Which state has the happiest nurses? ›- #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
- #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
- #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
- #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
- #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.
Registered Nurses made a median salary of $77,600 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $97,580 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $61,790.
Which state has the strictest nursing board? ›California's Medical Board is famously strict. The background questions on the Med Board's application are extensive. The background check is thorough. Any blemish on an applicant's record, it seems, is cause for further investigation and often denial.
What nurse has the easiest job? ›- Nurse Educator. This is one of the least stressful nursing jobs available. ...
- School Nurse/Summer Camp Nurse. If you love children, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse. ...
- Nurse Researcher. ...
- Nurse Informaticist. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Home Health Nurse.
The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
Which state has the hardest Nclex exam? ›None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
What type of RN makes the most? ›The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What states are paying nurses to move? ›- 1. California. In 2022, it's no surprise that California is still the highest paying state for travel nurses. ...
- Hawaii. Hawaii may just be the dream destination! ...
- Massachusetts. ...
- Oregon. ...
- Alaska.
- California. 324,400.
- Texas. 217,630.
- New York. 188,300.
- Florida. 187,920.
- Pennsylvania. 149,270.
How many nurses are needed by 2025? ›
The health care industry could be short 2.1 million nurses by 2025, according to an analysis from The Josh Bersin Co. and Eightfold, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
Has nursing school gotten harder? ›During the last few years, it's gotten more and more difficult to be accepted into nursing school. As you've already seen, there are many requirements, and none of them are easy. And the admissions processes aren't getting any easier even though we desperately need RNs.
Is it common to fail nursing class? ›Many nursing schools require a minimum grade of roughly 80% to actually pass, as well. By the time you realize you aren't doing well enough to be successful in the course, the choices can be pretty limited. Failure happens all the time. It happens every day...
Is it OK to fail nursing school? ›You Can Still Become a Nurse, so Don't Give Up
Maybe you can retake a class over the break, file an academic appeal, or take some other action to get reinstated in the program. Many failed nursing students have done this successfully. If that doesn't work, you can apply to another school with a nursing program.
Lengthy hours, quality of working environments, lack of leadership and the ageing population and workforce, can all be seen as influential factors, in which have the potential to leave this profession in a situation of calamity.
Will there still be a nursing shortage in 2025? ›Researchers estimated that the US will have a 10 to 20 percent nursing gap by 2025 as the number of patients needing care exceeds the number of nurses. The RN supply could potentially see a low of 2.4 million, while the RN demand could be a low of 2.8 million nurses.
What is the nurse update for 2023? ›2023 nursing healthcare trends will be led by the fallout of a momentous nursing shortage and growing technological changes. 2023 should also bring a renewed focus on nurses' mental health, wearable medical devices, and a rise in virtual medicine.
Will nurse pay increase in 2023? ›The amount of increase depends on the facility, but a 3-5% raise is standard. In addition to annual pay increases, more hospitals and employers are offering sign-on bonuses to nurses, particularly in areas experiencing acute shortages.
How to retain nurses 2023? ›- Listen to Your Nurses. ...
- Prioritize a Diverse Culture in the Workplace. ...
- Offer flexibility. ...
- Provide Training for Your Nurses. ...
- Focus On Mental Health. ...
- Introducing International Nurses.
There are many reasons that nurses leave the profession and there are many overlapping systems within healthcare. But, one study found that a staggering 17% - 30% of new nurses leave their job within the first year and up to 56% leaving within the second year.
How long will nurses be in high demand? ›
For years, experts in the healthcare field have sounded the alarm on the high demand for nurses nationwide. Based on projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the country will need additional 203,200 registered nurses (RNs) each year from now through 2031.
What percentage of nurses leave the profession? ›Per the data, 4.2% (or an estimated 33,811) of licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses left the workforce in the past two years—an issue compounded by “considerable and somewhat unprecedented disruptions” to prelicensure nursing education programs during the past few years.
What is the oldest age for nursing? ›I am very pleased to confirm there is no upper age limit to start nurse training so your age is not a hurdle. However you do need to consider a number of issues before committing to a long and challenging journey.
How old do most nurses retire? ›- 7% of both women and men retired at age 63.
- 8% of women and 7% of men retired at age 64.
- 11% of women and 13% of men retired at age 69.
- 9% of women and 6% of men retired at the age of 70 or beyond.
And the most popular question: Am I too old? The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
What percentage of nurses are in Ana? ›Black (2014) notes that less than ten percent of the nation's nurses are members of the ANA or other professional organizations. One state organization, the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), noted that there are over 90,000 nurses in Alabama and the ASNA only has 1,263 members (Wilkinson, 2015).
Is there a nursing shortage in 2023? ›The percentage of nurses who said they were satisfied with the quality of care they provide also decreased from 75% in 2021 to 64% in 2023. About 94% of those surveyed said there was a severe or moderate shortage of nurses in their area, with half saying the shortage was severe, per the survey.
What is the projected nursing shortage by 2025? ›The United States could see a deficit of 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses available for direct patient care by 2025, a 10 to 20 percent gap that places great demand on the nurse graduate pipeline over the next three years.
How many registered nurses are there in the US in 2022? ›Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. Of all licensed RNs, 84.1% are employed in nursing.
What is the 4 to 1 ratio for nurses? ›The right nurse-to-patient staffing ratio
For example, the nurse-to-patient ratio in a critical care unit must be 1:2 or fewer at all times, and the nurse-to-patient ratio in an emergency department must be 1:4 or fewer at all times that patients are receiving treatment, the law states.
Which state do nurses make the most? ›
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What state employs the most RNs? ›California contains the most professionally active registered nurses in the U.S. with 337,738 RNs, according to a ranking from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Is becoming a nurse worth it 2023? ›Yes, becoming a nurse is worth it for many students. Nursing is a popular career path because nursing skills are needed in a variety of settings.
How many nurses do we need by 2030? ›According to the report, as many as 13 million more nurses may be needed by 2030; the world's current nursing workforce totals approximately 28 million. The report explains that taking action to sustain and retain workers could minimize the shortage.
What state pays nurses the lowest? ›The lowest-paying states are South Dakota ($60,540), Alabama ($61,920), Mississippi ($63,130), Iowa ($64,990), and Arkansas ($65,810).
How old is the average nurse? ›Average Age Of Nurses
The average age of a registered nurse in the United States is 44, though this may change as the demand for nurses increases.
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $42.73 |
| 3 to 5 years | $44.85 |
| 6 to 9 years | $46.46 |
| More than 10 years | $51.95 |