Discuss the events that have contributed (or will continue to contribute) to the nursing

shortage, or that contribute to a shortage in a region or specialty. Discuss at least one way

that the nursing profession is currently working toward a resolution of this problem

Registered nurses are the largest single group in the United States healthcare industry.

Although there is increased demand for healthcare services and subsequent employment of

nurses at both the hospital and community levels, shortage of nurses is a major problem in

healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the United States will have an estimated

deficit of one million nurses by 2022 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017).

There are several factors that contribute and will continue to contribute to the shortage of nurses

in the industry. One of the factors is an aging workforce whereby a significant segment of the

nursing workforce near the retirement age. A survey conducted by the National Council of State

Boards of Nursing and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers in 2013 showed that

more than half of nurses in healthcare were aged 50 and above (Nickitas, Middaugh & Aries,

2016). The survey also showed that more than one million nurses would reach the retirement age

in the next 15 years. An aging population is the other factor that results in a shortage of nurses.

The baby boomers are nearing their retirement age the number will increase even more in the

next few decades. An aging population comes with an increased need for healthcare and

subsequent demand for nurses. The other reason is limited supply of nurses due to limited

budgets. Consequently, this means that few nurses are entering the workforce and therefore

unable to cover the deficit created by retiring nurses.

The nursing profession is increasingly making moves to curb the problem of shortage of

nurses in the industry. Many healthcare organizations are now working on hiring young nursing

graduates to replace aging baby boomers. It is an imperative step for ensuring that the nursing
community has longevity of the workforce. Additionally, many healthcare organizations are

expanding their nursing programs aiming at creating more employment posts to keep up with t

current and anticipated future demand for nurses.

 References

Nickitas, D., Middaugh, D., & Aries, N. (2016). Policy and politics for nurses and other health

professionals. Burlington, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017). Supply and Demand Projections of the

Nursing Workforce: 2014-2030. Retrieved 7 July 2020, from

https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bhw/nchwa/projections/NCHWA_HRSA_Nursing

_Report.pdf