The U.S. Nursing Shortage: A State-by-State Breakdown for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

The national nursing shortage in the United States has progressed over the years. Rooted in several factors, such as an aging workforce, burnout, and the lack of nursing educators, the worsening gap between nursing supply and demand is expected to be equivalent to 200,000 to 450,000 vacant nursing positions by 2025 (Berlin et al., 2022). Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated this massive healthcare crisis.

Our team at Research.com created this deep-dive into the nurse shortage in US states, its contributing factors, and the importance of addressing the demand for nurses—and ensuring their safety and well-being—to societal health.

The U.S. Nursing Shortage Table of Contents

1. Why the US has a Nursing Shortage Crisis
2. Bridging the Nursing Gap Through Entry-Level Opportunities
3. What Can Be Done to Increase the Number of Nurses in the US?
4. What Are the Economic Barriers for Aspiring Nurses?
5. How Can ADN to NP Bridge Programs Alleviate the Nursing Shortage?
6. The US Nursing Shortage by State
7. What Role Do Mentorship and Professional Development Programs Play in Nurse Retention?
8. The Impact of Accelerated Nursing Education Programs on the Nursing Shortage
9. The Importance of Nurses to Society
10. How Can Specialized Certifications Enhance Nursing Workforce Capabilities?
11. Can 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Programs Bridge the Nursing Gap?
12. What Are the Benefits of RN to BSN Programs with No Clinicals in Addressing the Nursing Shortage?

Why the US has a Nursing Shortage Crisis

In the 18th and 19th centuries, women were called to become nurses in America. Females took care of families and communities in times of war and peace. Doctors started to train women in maternity care by the end of the 18th century.

In the mid-19th century, the need for nurses and better healthcare resulted in new hospitals to treat vulnerable groups, such as the homeless and individuals with mental illnesses. These patients were cared for by permanently employed female hospital nurses. Racial segregation was also a prevalent issue that African American nurses faced and were able to overcome slowly.

Numerous specialties were also established within the field of nursing over the decades. These advanced practice nurses include nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), which are two of the highest-paying jobs for women in recent years. Ample education and work experience are also required to meet school nurse qualifications for advancing one’s career. However, despite developments in the profession after World War II, nurses still experienced a pay gap. Moreover, as fewer women ventured into the nursing field in the 1950s, the US nursing shortage crisis began (National Women’s History Museum, 2018).

In 2018, the US had 15.7 nurses and midwives per 1,000 individuals (World Bank, n.d.). The full picture reveals a country that employed 2,951,960 registered nurses (RNs) [US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2019] to potentially care for at least 327,167,434 citizens that year (US Census Bureau, 2018). The following years may have seen some employment growth for RNs, but the factors below have been continuously contributing to the nursing shortage in the country.

1. The nursing profession has an aging workforce.

Along with the entire US population, the nursing workforce is aging. Today, about one million RNs are older than 50 years. As a result, one-third of US nurses may retire in 10 to 15 years (Haddad, Annamaraju, & Toney-Butler, 2023).

2. US nurses have been experiencing work stress and burnout.

Nurses are known to work long hours; many of them clock in 12-hour shifts to maintain consistent patient care. Adding this to the influx of patients brought into hospitals because of various illnesses and the aging US population has been causing stress and burnout for nurses.

3. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the personal and professional lives of nurses.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the nursing shortage crisis. Healthcare frontline workers have to work around the clock and outside of their scope of practice because hospitals have been forced to operate beyond their full capacity to treat and accommodate the waves of COVID-19 patients across the US.

Unsurprisingly, the impact of the pandemic on US healthcare systems put more pressure on nurses, who are considered the backbone of the healthcare industry. As a result, many nurses leave the field to focus on their own mental, emotional, and physical health.

Though the number of RNs in the US has been rising even during the pandemic stimulated by the large number of online healthcare management degrees on the market, the employment increase for RNs in 2020 (4,220), when COVID-19 hit, is notably lower than growth in 2019 (30,320) and 2021 (61,030). The US employed 2,982,280 RNs in May 2019 (US BLS, 2020), 2,986,500 in May 2020 (US BLS, 2021), 3,047,530 in May 2021 (US BLS, 2022), and 3,072,700 in May 2022 (US BLS, 2023). Despite how many nurses are in the US today, these circumstances may continue to influence the nursing shortage in the country.

Promoting and supporting the cheapest RN to BSN online programs is not only an effective way to provide career advancement opportunities for existing RNs. It is also a strategic response to the ongoing nursing shortage in the United States. Affordable online RN to BSN programs offer registered nurses an accessible and cost-effective way to further their education. Through these programs, RNs can enhance their skills and qualifications, contributing to the overall capacity of the healthcare workforce.

Bridging the Nursing Gap Through Entry-Level Opportunities

Addressing the nursing shortage effectively requires not only retaining experienced professionals but also creating accessible pathways for new individuals to join the profession. Entry-level nursing opportunities, streamlined through innovative programs, present a key strategy to combat this critical workforce gap.

Direct entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs stand out as an efficient route for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds to transition into the field. These programs are specifically designed for career changers who hold bachelor's degrees in other disciplines. By enabling students to fast-track their nursing education while offering clinical training, direct-entry MSN pathways can rapidly expand the workforce with competent and qualified nursing professionals ready to meet healthcare demands.

For interested applicants, exploring the easiest direct entry MSN programs can provide further insights into admissions flexibility, program structures, and clinical opportunities, making it possible to embark on a rewarding nursing career sooner. These programs not only help fill critical shortages but also enrich the nursing profession with diverse perspectives and skill sets from various backgrounds.

By widening the entry gates to the nursing workforce, such initiatives play a vital role in alleviating the current shortage while fostering a dynamic, well-prepared healthcare team capable of tackling the increasing demands of patient care.

What Can Be Done to Increase the Number of Nurses in the US?

One of the most critical steps in addressing the nursing shortage is to encourage individuals to pursue nursing careers. For those without prior nursing experience, exploring online ADN programs for non nurses can provide a foundational entry point into the field. These programs are specifically designed for non-nurses, offering a comprehensive education that prepares students for the demands of nursing practice. By supporting and promoting such programs, the US can work towards increasing the number of skilled nurses in the workforce, ultimately helping to alleviate the shortage and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.

What Are the Economic Barriers for Aspiring Nurses?

Economic considerations play a critical role in deterring qualified individuals from pursuing a nursing career. High tuition fees, related educational expenses, and living costs challenge potential applicants and may contribute to the workforce shortage if not adequately addressed. Comprehensive financial planning, including alternatives like scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs, can ease these barriers. Prospective nurses are encouraged to explore details on our article about how much is nursing school to better understand the investment involved and seek available financial support options.

How Can ADN to NP Bridge Programs Alleviate the Nursing Shortage?

ADN to NP bridge programs serve as a streamlined pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers and assume higher-level responsibilities in patient care. These programs integrate foundational clinical skills with specialized training, thereby accelerating the transition from an associate degree in nursing to an advanced practice role. By reducing the time and cost barriers associated with traditional educational routes, these bridge programs not only enhance workforce mobility but also contribute to a more balanced distribution of nursing expertise. Their flexible design allows working nurses to upskill while continuing to meet immediate patient care demands, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery in the face of growing shortages. For more details on effective pathways in nursing advancement, explore ADN to NP bridge programs.

The US Nursing Shortage by State

Healthcare systems in the US are varied and complex. Understandably, states across the country have been left vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lack of human resources in the industry, budget cuts, long working hours, and daily exposure to the virus.

To get a glimpse of the US nursing shortage by state, the Research.com team explored the dire conditions of 10 states with the highest number of RNs in 2022 based on current data from the US BLS and other reputable sources. Notably, everyday situations in the featured states demonstrate the magnitude of the shortage crisis in the entire nation.

1. California

In California, 22.5% of RNs aged 55 to 64 and 47.3% of RNs aged 65 and over plan to retire or leave the nursing field between 2022 and 2024, according to preliminary data from the 2022 Survey of California Registered Nurses. Challenges faced by RNs in this state include childcare and school closures (37.9%), eldercare (21.8%), and pandemic-related burnout (34.6%) (Spetz, Chu, & Blash, 2022). The survey suggests that California has been experiencing a nursing shortage crisis. However, the state forecasts that the crisis may be addressed by a surge in enrollment in nursing schools.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 302,770 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 325,620 RNs

2. Texas

Texas has experienced a steadily increasing shortage rate from 2020 to 2023. According to nursing shortage statistics in the state, the unmet demand for nurses was at 11.1% (29,165) in 2020, 11.2% (30,190) in 2021, 11.5% (31,586) in 2022, and 11.8% (33,340) in 2023 (Lauer, 2022). The lack of teachers also prevents qualified nursing-school candidates from enrolling and attaining the necessary educational requirements to become licensed nurses, keeping Texas in a shortage gridlock.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 218,090 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 231,060 RNs

3. Florida

In Florida, the passing rate for nursing licensure exams has been slumping in recent years. The passing rate for RN exams dropped from 68.9% in 2020 to 63.8% in 2022 (Florida Center for Nursing, 2023), likely contributing to the nursing shortage in the state. By 2035, Florida is expected to have a demand for 59,100 nurses (Florida Hospital Association & Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, 2021).

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 181,670 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 197,630 RNs

4. New York

The demand for nurses in New York is expected to hit almost 40,000 by 2030. Being the most negatively affected state by the pandemic regarding job loss and COVID-19 deaths (McDonald et al., 2021), the Empire State needs to address this pressing supply-and-demand concern in healthcare. Fortunately, the state government has been planning and placing restorative measures to accelerate nursing education and training to alleviate the shortage crisis.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 178,320 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 190,470 RNs

5. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has been experiencing a high turnover rate of nurses in its hospitals even before the pandemic. The situation has negatively impacted the number of employed nurses and the quality of patient care. Ninety-four percent of 1,000 Pennsylvania bedside nurses surveyed in 2017 reported that their healthcare facility “does not have enough nursing staff," while 87% said that the issue of staff quantity has been diminishing service quality (Nurses of Pennsylvania, 2017).

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 148,040 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 137,970 RNs

6. Ohio

Hospitals in Ohio have had nurse understaffing issues for decades now. The Ohio Nurses Association claimed that the problem is “a shortage of nurses willing to work at the bedside" due to funding cuts, unsafe work environments, and the unmet needs of nurses (Weitzel, 2022). In 2023, hospitals in Ohio are scrambling to fill hundreds of nursing vacancies across its cities, particularly Canton, Youngstown, and Cleveland.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 125,470 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 130,370 RNs

7. Illinois

Illinois is expected to experience a shortage of approximately 15,000 RNs between 2020 and 2025. Fortunately, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin obtained $1 billion through the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps to help underfunded and short-staffed hospitals in the state (Durbin.senate.gov, 2023).

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 129,530 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 129,390 RNs

8. North Carolina

In North Carolina, the nursing shortage is predicted to reach nearly 12,500 vacancies by 2033 (UNC Program on Health Workforce & Research, 2021). Nurses in the state are resigning from their posts due to burnout and safety issues. Nurses still in the field are forced to cover more shifts, compounding the current workplace issues they have been working through to provide adequate healthcare services.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 99,960 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 104,300 RNs

9. Michigan

In Michigan, about 39% of nurses—or four in 10—aim to quit their jobs by 2024. Nurses in the state reported various workplace concerns, including inadequate staffing (83%), emotional exhaustion (84%), and abuse (27%) (Friese et al., 2023). Moreover, younger nurses are seen to be the most likely to resign from their current positions. Swift measures must be taken to resolve workplace safety issues and attract nursing applicants within and from other states.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 96,900 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 101,470 RNs

10. Georgia

By 2030, Georgia is estimated to experience a nursing shortage of about 2,200. The figure is based on 2014 levels (77,200) and 2030 projections of supply (98,800) and demand (101,000) for RNs (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2017). The state has been facing an understaffing crisis even before the pandemic. Today, local hospitals are negatively affected while nursing schools attempt to fix their own training facilities and faculty shortages.

Number of Nurses in 2019 (Pre-pandemic): 75,430 RNs
Number of Nurses in 2022: 82,970 RNs

The article provides a thorough overview of the U.S. nursing shortage and the factors contributing to it, but it could be strengthened by adding a section titled "The Role of Specialized Certifications in Addressing the Nursing Shortage." This addition would offer valuable insights for nurses and healthcare organizations on how targeted certifications can empower nurses with specialized skills, potentially alleviating staffing issues in high-demand areas. By addressing specific needs in healthcare, this section would align well with Google Search Quality Guidelines by enhancing informational depth and relevance.

Here’s a draft of the suggested section with an embedded internal link.

The Role of Specialized Certifications in Addressing the Nursing Shortage

With the U.S. nursing shortage reaching critical levels, one effective strategy for bolstering the nursing workforce is through specialized certifications. Certifications in fields such as critical care, gerontology, and psychiatric nursing equip nurses with skills that are in high demand, allowing them to fill critical gaps in healthcare. These certifications not only improve individual nurses’ career prospects but also enable healthcare systems to deploy skilled professionals more effectively in response to specific patient needs.

For instance, nurses with certifications in gerontology are crucial as the U.S. population ages, while those trained in psychiatric nursing play a vital role in mental health care—a field with growing demand. By pursuing advanced certifications, nurses can significantly enhance their expertise and readiness for specialized roles. This approach not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also supports a more resilient healthcare system capable of responding to future challenges.

For more information on top nursing certifications that can help address the current shortage and advance your career, visit our guide on nursing certifications. Investing in specialized training can be a transformative step for both individual nurses and the healthcare industry at large.

How Online Clinical MSW Programs Can Help Address Nursing Shortage

As the nursing shortage crisis continues to affect healthcare systems across the United States, the role of other healthcare professionals, including clinical social workers, becomes increasingly vital. Clinical social workers are integral to providing support in the areas of mental health, patient counseling, and navigating the emotional complexities of illness. Their work helps reduce the emotional burden on nurses, allowing them to focus on medical care and recovery.

One of the most effective ways for individuals to enter the social work field and provide support during this crisis is through online clinical MSW programs. These programs offer a flexible and affordable path for aspiring clinical social workers to earn their Master's of Social Work (MSW) degree while balancing existing personal or professional commitments.

How Clinical Social Workers Alleviate the Nursing Shortage

Clinical social workers with specialized training in mental health care and patient counseling can significantly reduce the stress placed on nurses by managing the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. This enables nurses to focus on their core responsibilities, such as monitoring physical health, administering treatments, and managing patient care plans.

By providing individual or group therapy, supporting families, and offering grief counseling, clinical social workers help patients and their families cope with the challenges of illness, hospitalization, and recovery. They can also intervene in cases of patient mental health crises, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, which are increasingly prevalent in the healthcare setting.

Moreover, social workers play an important role in advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system. Their ability to connect patients with necessary resources—such as community services, mental health professionals, and family support systems—helps ensure that the patients' overall care is holistic and comprehensive.

Benefits of Online Clinical MSW Programs

Online clinical MSW programs make it easier for individuals to enter this crucial field. These programs are designed for those who wish to work in a clinical setting, providing direct services to individuals and families. By completing a clinical MSW program, social workers are trained in key skills, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.

Additionally, many online MSW programs offer concentrations in areas like healthcare, trauma, or aging, which are directly aligned with the needs of today’s healthcare system. Students can earn their degree while working in the field, gaining practical experience that complements their academic learning.

Conclusion: Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce

As the demand for nurses continues to outpace supply, supporting the mental health and well-being of patients through clinical social work is one effective solution. Social workers, especially those trained through online clinical MSW programs, can ease the burden on nurses, helping to improve overall patient care, reduce burnout, and support better outcomes across the healthcare system. By encouraging the growth of clinical social workers in healthcare settings, the U.S. can create a more sustainable healthcare workforce that is prepared to meet the needs of an aging population and the ongoing challenges of healthcare delivery.

What Role Do Mentorship and Professional Development Programs Play in Nurse Retention?

Effective mentorship and targeted professional development can significantly enhance nurse retention and reduce burnout. Formal mentorship programs provide early-career nurses with strategic guidance, hands-on training, and emotional support while facilitating the transfer of industry best practices from experienced professionals. Concurrently, structured professional development—encompassing advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and specialized certifications—empowers nurses to expand their expertise and embrace ongoing career advancement. Institutions that invest in these initiatives observe improved job satisfaction and decreased turnover, ultimately reinforcing workforce resilience. For aspiring nurse practitioners seeking efficient career progression alongside robust mentorship, learn from our guide What is the shortest path to a nurse practitioner?

The Impact of Accelerated Nursing Education Programs on the Nursing Shortage

The nursing shortage in the United States is a critical issue that requires innovative solutions to address its growing impact on the healthcare system. One promising approach is the expansion of accelerated nursing education programs, including fast track RN to BSN online programs. These programs are designed to offer registered nurses (RNs) an efficient and flexible way to enhance their skills and qualifications while continuing to work. By pursuing these fast-track pathways, RNs can quickly gain the advanced knowledge and certifications needed to fill essential roles in healthcare settings.

Accelerated Programs Help Address Immediate Staffing Needs

Accelerated RN to BSN programs allow nurses to fast-track their educational goals, enabling them to step into advanced roles more quickly. This helps alleviate immediate staffing shortages, especially in hospitals and clinics that are overwhelmed with patient volumes. With the ability to complete these programs online, nurses can maintain their work schedules while enhancing their credentials, making it easier for them to transition into higher-demand specialties like critical care, pediatric nursing, or oncology.

Increased Capacity to Meet the Growing Demand for Specialized Nurses

As the healthcare needs of the U.S. population become more complex—due in part to an aging demographic and a rise in chronic diseases—the demand for specialized nurses grows. Fast-track RN to BSN programs are particularly beneficial in preparing nurses for these advanced roles by offering focused coursework in areas like gerontology, community health, and mental health nursing. With advanced training, nurses are better equipped to address these specialized needs, thus helping to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Flexibility and Accessibility Improve Enrollment Rates

One of the significant barriers to higher education in nursing is the time commitment and logistical challenges of attending traditional in-person programs. Fast track RN to BSN online programs remove these obstacles by offering flexible schedules that allow nurses to study at their own pace, often from home. This accessibility encourages more nurses to pursue higher education, thus increasing the pool of qualified nurses in the workforce and helping to address the shortage in the long term.

Improved Nurse Retention Rates

Nurses who pursue accelerated education opportunities tend to report higher job satisfaction and career advancement. By enhancing their skills and qualifications, nurses feel more confident and competent in their roles, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and decreased burnout. This is crucial for retaining nurses in the workforce, especially as many are leaving the profession due to stress, burnout, and a lack of advancement opportunities.

The Importance of Nurses to Society

Many individuals aspiring to become healthcare professionals decide to go to nursing school. If you are a nursing graduate still wondering what to do with a BSN, you may want to consider the career opportunities that the nursing shortage in the US has presented, especially during the pandemic. Hospitals in several states have increased their compensation offers and added signing bonuses to attract qualified nursing candidates. Considering the reasons below explaining the importance of nurses to society, these financial incentives may be long overdue.

1. Nurses provide care to help bring patients back to health. Nurses apply their expert knowledge and skills to ensure that patients receive the required treatment for recovery and that other patient needs are efficiently met. Nurses interview patients, monitor and assess their progress, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams to modify care and treatment plans.

2. Nurses provide emotional support to patients and their families. Nurses also offer patients and their families emotional and psychological support. Regular communication between patients and healthcare professionals may help comfort them and their families, reassuring them that they are working to the best of their abilities.

3. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Nurses spend more time with patients than doctors do, as trained by nurse practitioner programs online. During day shifts, RNs spend the most time on communication and coordination of patient care, allocating at least 3.2 hours of their 12.5-hour day shift. Activities in this area include patient interviews, attendance in doctors’ medical visits (52 minutes), team conferences, and nursing handovers (one hour) (Michel et al., 2021). Without the nursing workforce to ensure efficient healthcare processes, the industry may collapse.

Fortunately, in addition to the salary increases for nurses, advanced practice nurses with different levels of nursing degrees, such as NPs and CRNAs, earn higher salaries than RNs. In May 2022, the annual median wage of RNs was $81,220, while that of NPs was $121,610 (US BLS, 2023). Individuals interested in becoming NPs may wonder, “what degree do you need for nurse practitioner certification?" Master of science in nursing (MSN) programs train RNs to specialize as NPs to pass NP certification.

MSN programs online are designed to provide comprehensive education and training to prepare nurses for the advanced practice role of an NP. These programs offer flexibility for working RNs to further their education while maintaining their current roles.

How Can Specialized Certifications Enhance Nursing Workforce Capabilities?

Specialized certifications empower nurses to acquire advanced clinical skills in areas like critical care, oncology, and informatics, effectively bridging gaps in high-demand specialties. This targeted upskilling not only enhances individual expertise and patient outcomes but also boosts nurse retention by offering clear pathways for career progression. Verification through specialized credentials creates opportunities to optimize staffing and operational efficiency without extending the educational timeline. Additionally, nurses transitioning from entry-level qualifications can leverage programs like LPN to RN online programs to rapidly advance their competencies and address workforce deficiencies in a strategic manner.

Can 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Programs Bridge the Nursing Gap?

Accelerated nursing programs compressed into a 12-month format are designed to rapidly equip aspiring nurses with the clinical competence required to meet urgent healthcare needs. These programs offer an intensive curriculum that pries open alternative pathways for candidates to transition seamlessly into the workforce, reducing the traditional educational timeline while maintaining high standards of training. By delivering a concentrated blend of theoretical instruction with real-world clinical practice, 12-month accelerated nursing programs online address immediate staffing deficiencies and lay the groundwork for long-term workforce resilience.

What Are the Benefits of RN to BSN Programs with No Clinicals in Addressing the Nursing Shortage?

Programs that eliminate the need for clinical placements enable registered nurses to pursue degree advancement with minimal disruption to their professional schedules. These flexible pathways reduce logistical and financial challenges by allowing nurses to focus on online coursework without coordinating clinical rotations. This streamlined approach helps expand the pool of qualified candidates more rapidly. For instance, nurses can enhance their academic credentials and transition into leadership or specialized roles faster, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and agile workforce. To explore options that prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness, refer to the best RN to BSN programs with no clinicals.

Help Save Lives as a Nurse

The US nursing shortage certainly poses an enormous challenge, which can also be an opportunity for aspiring RNs, NPs, and other nursing professionals to make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives. For a cost-effective educational option, you may consider applying for an online MSN program. Having a master’s degree in the field makes you eligible to take NP certification exams, among other advanced practice certifications.

Entering the nursing field during these trying times can become purposeful, life-saving, and even financially rewarding. However, ensure you are venturing into this career path with commitment and compassion to provide quality patient care. To start, explore different undergraduate and graduate nursing programs and contact your preferred academic institutions for detailed information on healthcare career requirements.

Key Insights

• Aging Workforce: A significant portion of the nursing workforce is approaching retirement, with about one million RNs older than 50, leading to potential shortages as they leave the profession.
• Burnout and Stress: Long hours, high patient loads, and the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to high levels of burnout and stress among nurses, exacerbating the shortage.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has intensified the nursing shortage, with many nurses leaving the profession to protect their own mental and physical health.
• State-Specific Shortages: States like California, Texas, and Florida are experiencing significant shortages, driven by high retirement rates, increasing demand for healthcare, and challenges in nursing education.
• Importance of Nurses: Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, providing both medical and emotional support, and are essential to the functioning of healthcare systems.
• Educational Opportunities: Promoting affordable online RN to BSN and MSN programs can help address the shortage by providing accessible career advancement opportunities for existing nurses.
• Financial Incentives: Many states and hospitals are offering increased salaries and signing bonuses to attract and retain nurses in response to the shortage.

FAQ

1. What are the main factors contributing to the nursing shortage in the US?

The main factors include an aging workforce with many nurses nearing retirement, high levels of burnout and stress due to long hours and high patient loads, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led many nurses to leave the profession for mental and physical health reasons.

2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the nursing shortage?

The pandemic has significantly exacerbated the nursing shortage by increasing the demand for healthcare services, placing additional stress on nurses, and leading many to leave the profession to protect their health and well-being.

3. Which states are experiencing the most severe nursing shortages?

States such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania are experiencing severe nursing shortages due to high retirement rates, increased demand for healthcare services, and challenges in nursing education and retention.

4. What steps can be taken to address the nursing shortage?

To address the shortage, efforts can be made to promote affordable RN to BSN and MSN programs, offer financial incentives such as increased salaries and signing bonuses, improve working conditions to reduce burnout, and enhance recruitment and retention strategies in the nursing profession.

5. Why are nurses essential to the healthcare system?

Nurses are essential because they provide direct patient care, administer treatments, monitor patient progress, and offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their families. They play a critical role in ensuring the efficient functioning of healthcare systems and patient recovery.

6. How can nursing education programs help alleviate the nursing shortage?

Nursing education programs, especially affordable and flexible online RN to BSN and MSN programs, can help by providing accessible opportunities for career advancement, increasing the number of qualified nurses, and addressing the educational bottleneck that limits the entry of new nurses into the profession.

7. What are some financial incentives offered to attract nurses during the shortage?

Many states and hospitals are offering increased salaries, signing bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, and other financial incentives to attract and retain nurses in response to the shortage.

8. How does the aging nursing workforce contribute to the shortage?

As a significant portion of the nursing workforce ages and approaches retirement, there are fewer experienced nurses available to fill critical roles. This creates a gap that is difficult to fill quickly, exacerbating the shortage.

9. What impact does burnout have on the nursing shortage?

Burnout leads to higher turnover rates, with nurses leaving the profession due to stress, long hours, and emotional exhaustion. This reduces the number of available nurses and increases the workload on those remaining, further contributing to the shortage.

10. How important is it to address the nursing shortage for societal health?

Addressing the nursing shortage is crucial for maintaining high-quality healthcare, ensuring patient safety, and meeting the increasing demand for healthcare services. Without enough nurses, the healthcare system cannot function effectively, leading to poorer health outcomes for society as a whole.

References

• Berlin, G. (2022, May 11). Assessing the lingering impact of COVID-19 on the nursing workforce. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/assessing-the-lingering-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-nursing-workforce
• Durbin.senate.gov. (2023, February 7). Durbin Talks Health Care Workforce Shortages With Rural Illinois Health Care Providers. https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-talks-health-care-workforce-shortages-with-rural-illinois-health-care-providers
• Florida Center for Nursing. (2023, January). Nursing Education Report. https://www.flcenterfornursing.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/API/Entries/Download?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=1925&PortalId=0&TabId=151
• Florida Hospital Association. (2021, September 30). Press Release Report: Florida Faces Shortfall of 59,100 Nurses by 2035. https://web.fha.org/news/newsarticledisplay.aspx?ArticleID=62
• Friese, C. (2023, May). Patterns and Correlates of Nurse Departures From the Health Care Workforce, Results From a Statewide Survey. Medical Care 61(5): 321327. https://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/Abstract/2023/05000/Patterns_and_Correlates_of_Nurse_Departures_From.9.aspx
• Haddad, L. M., Annamaraju, P., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023, February 13). Nursing Shortage. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175
• Lauer, P. (2022). Nursing Shortages. Texas Department of State Health Services. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sept-2022-skmcac-agenda-item-4.pdf
• McDonald, M. et al. (2021, April 18). 50 States, 50 Pandemic Responses: An Analysis Of Jobs Lost And Lives Lost. Hamilton Place Strategies. https://hamiltonplacestrategies.com/50-states-50-pandemic-responses-an-analysis-of-jobs-lost-and-lives-lost
• Michel, O. et al. (2021, June 16). How do nurses spend their time? A time and motion analysis of nursing activities in an internal medicine unit. Journal of Advanced Nursing 77(11): 44594470. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14935
• National Women’s History Museum. (2018, March 7) Timeline: The History of Nursing. https://www.womenshistory.org/exhibits/timeline-history-nursing
• Nurses of Pennsylvania. (2017, September). Breaking Point: Pennsylvania’s Patient Care Crisis Survey of 1,000 Pennsylvania Bedside Nurses. https://nursesofpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Nurses-of-Pennsylvania-Briefing-Paper_final_092017.pdf
• Spetz, J., Chu, L., & Blash, L. (2022 August). Forecasts of the Registered Nurse Workforce in California. University of California San Francisco. https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/forms/forecast2022.pdf
• UNC Program on Health Workforce & Research. (2021). Key Findings. https://ncnursecast.unc.edu/key-findings
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). My 2018 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, July 6). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019 29-1141 Registered Nurses. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes291141.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, March 31). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020 29-1141 Registered Nurses. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2020/may/oes291141.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022 29-1141 Registered Nurses. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm#nat
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, April 25). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 29-1171 Nurse Practitioners. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). Registered Nurses. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
• US Census Bureau. (2018, December 19). 2018 National and State Population Estimates. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2018/pop-estimates-national-state.html
• Weitzel, R. (2022, March 4). #TheTimeIsNow to Fix the Nurse Staffing Crisis. https://ohnurses.org/thetimeisnow-to-fix-the-nurse-staffing-crisis
• World Bank. Nurses and midwives (per 1,000 people). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.MED.NUMW.P3?end=2020&most_recent_value_desc=true&start=2020&view=bar