Growing Demand for Nurses: Exploring the Nursing Shortage
There is a nationwide nursing shortage. It’s a severe problem that has gotten more concerning in light of an aging population and rising demand for care. Students pursuing careers in nursing and other health care fields are especially impacted. This post looks at the reasons for the nursing shortage, how it affects healthcare facilities, and what it means for future nurses. Whether you are a nursing student or want to be, this post is for you.
The current and future nursing shortage
The nursing shortage is a serious issue, not only in the United States but worldwide. A 2022 report released by the International Council of Nurses estimated that the world could face a shortfall of up to 13 million nurses by 2030. Researchers reported that the COVD-19 pandemic fueled the existing shortage. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN),100,000 nurses left the field during the pandemic. The NCSBN also found that one-fifth of current registered nurses plan to leave the profession by 2027.
Shortages will affect both registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses. The registered nurse (RN) workforce is expected to expand through 2030. However, growth may be insufficient to meet vacancies left by RN retirements. The number of positions left vacant by retiring RNs that will be filled by younger nurses will differ by state. This means that staffing shortages in the RN workforce may persist in many regions. According to 2017 Health Resources and Services Administration research, there may be a shortage of 150,000 full-time LPNs by 2030.
What are the reasons for the nursing shortages?
According to many nursing shortage scholarly articles, the nursing shortage is caused by many factors, including:
- An aging population
- An aging workforce
- Increased demand for healthcare services
- Lack of nursing faculty
- Nurse burnout
All of these potential reasons nurses choose to leave the profession add to nursing turnover.
How does the nursing shortage affect health care facilities?
Staffing shortages result in a higher workload for nurses. Existing nurses feel stressed, have lower job satisfaction, and experience burnout without support. Healthcare facilities may engage temporary nurses to meet the demand for care. A quick search of a known job platform found that there are now 94,080 high-paying RN travel contracts open. Employers raise wages to recruit more nurses, which raises health care costs. Because of the nursing shortage, some hospitals have cut services or put off elective surgeries.
Nursing shortages are most noticeable in understaffed hospitals and medical centers. There, nurses must work longer hours with fewer resources. Rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited are another source of concern. The nursing shortage puts a burden on the health care system in many areas. As a result, patient wait times are longer and care costs rise. Meanwhile, the quality of patient care begins to suffer.
What is being done to address the nursing shortage?
Everyone is concerned about the nursing shortage because it affects patient care. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is pushing for increased investment in nursing education, as well as better working conditions and pay for nurses. The federal government has also gotten involved. The United States Department of Labor invested $80 million in the Nursing Expansion Grant Program to assist nursing education programs. On the state level, policymakers are investing in nursing education strategies to address the shortage.
Efforts to help recruit more nurses
Many organizations are funding nursing scholarships to recruit and train more nurses. Others, such as the National League of Nurses are offering nursing grant programs. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine issued the Future of Nursing: A Call to Action to address the nursing shortage. The campaign is collaborating with lawmakers, health care professionals, educators, and business leaders. These programs have the potential to significantly impact the nursing shortage. In addition, nurse recruiters are attracting new nurses by highlighting the rewards of the profession such as the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
Job Outlook for Graduate Nurses and Nursing Students
Those considering a career in the nursing profession can expect continued job growth. According to findings released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Registered Nursing jobs is expected to increase by 6% through 2031. Nursing students and recent graduates are in high demand due to their advanced skills and enthusiasm. In addition to promising job outlooks, graduate nurses and nursing students can also look forward to competitive salaries. One survey found that nurses make around $29-59 per hour. Yet, with the current nursing shortage, nurses with experience can command higher wages and enjoy more job security.
Key Takeaways
Nurses who are willing to put in the effort to obtain the right education and experience can find fulfilling and financially rewarding careers. In addition to that, nurses can rest assured knowing that their skills are in high demand. The nursing profession will continue to be a key player in the health care industry for many years to come.