Nursing shortages have always come in waves over the decades, given the demanding and selfless nature of this career. However, COVID-19 put an unprecedented strain on RNs with 100,000 nurses leaving the workforce during the pandemic. Since then, the numbers have continued to climb, with many states struggling to keep up. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this crisis, let’s explore the where and why behind the U.S. nursing shortage and how taking a travel nurse job can help states stay ahead in an environment where healthcare is always changing.
States Affected by the Nursing Shortage
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for RNs is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032 –which is faster than the average for all occupations—with about 193,100 openings projected each year. While hospitals and facilities all over the nation are feeling the effects of not having enough nurses to keep up with patient care, some states are struggling more than others. Below are the top 20 states where nurses are needed the most based on the most current nurse-to-state population ratios and projected need by 2030.
- Arizona: Arizona has 7.61 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 22,980 nurses by 2030.
- California: California has 8.34 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 35,000 nurses by 2030.
- Colorado: Colorado has 8.97 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 15,170 nurses by 2030.
- Florida: Florida has 8.88 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 27,390 nurses by 2030.
- Georgia: Georgia has 7.6 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 13,260 nurses by 2030.
- Illinois: Illinois has 10.28 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 6,250 nurses by 2030.
- Indiana: Indiana has 9.86 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 5,210 nurses by 2030.
- Maryland: Maryland has 8.08 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 12,320 nurses by 2030.
- Michigan: Michigan has 10.11 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 8,160 nurses by 2030.
- Nevada: Nevada has 7.54 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 5,590 nurses by 2030.
- New Jersey: New Jersey has 8.46 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 7,190 nurses by 2030.
- New York: New York has 9.68 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 33,420 nurses by 2030.
- North Carolina: North Carolina has 9.75 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 11,770 nurses by 2030.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has 10.64 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 13,100 nurses by 2030.
- South Carolina: South Carolina has 8.33 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 4,990 nurses by 2030.
- Tennessee: Tennessee has 8.63 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 10,870 nurses by 2030.
- Texas: Texas has 7.69 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 37,740 nurses by 2030.
- Utah: Utah has 6.75 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 4,980 nurses by 2030.
- Virginia: Virginia has 8.00 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 5,560 nurses by 2030.
- Washington: Washington has 8.34 nurses per 1,000 people and is projected to need 9,990 nurses by 2030.
Why is There a Nursing Shortage
The persistent nursing shortage can be attributed to a variety of factors, and every hospital has its own unique challenges, but there are a few common themes that the healthcare industry is currently seeing in relation to the nursing shortage.
Aging Population
The aging baby boomer popular is a significant driver for the increased demand for nurses. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the Baby Boomer generation, which makes up roughly 73 million people, will be 65 or older by 2030. With many older adults, there will be an increased need for nurses to help with geriatric care, especially in home health, LTC, and specialties dealing with chronic illnesses.
Aging Workforce
According to a 2022 survey conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the average age for an RN is 46 years old. This means that a large wave of nurses will be retiring in the coming years, leaving a gap for hospitals and facilities to fill with qualified and skilled nurses.
Nurse Burnout
Even before COVID-19 nurses were dealing with high levels of stress in their careers, but not to the extent that nurses are feeling now. Hospitals have been insufficiently staffed since the pandemic, which has caused nurses to work overtime, become burned out, and be incredibly dissatisfied in their career, leading many to leave altogether to focus on their mental health and better work-life balance.
Faculty Shortage
In order to sustain the future of nursing and educate future nurses, the healthcare industry needs nursing educators—and right now we’re seeing a decline in faculty at nursing schools. In a 2021-2022 report by the American Association of College of Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away 91,938 qualified applications from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs due to lack of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, and clinical preceptors.
How to Fix the Nursing Shortage
As the need for nurses continues to grow in the foreseeable future, states and their healthcare systems are doing everything they can to ensure that patient care and the wellbeing of nurses stay a top priority, such as investing more funds into nursing education, increasing nurse wages, and passing legislation. Another solution to alleviate the stress and burnout on nurses and help close the gap is travel nursing. Medical Solutions has tons of travel nursing jobs all over the nation so you can help provide the best patient care possible to communities who need it most. Explore on your own or apply today to let our team of experts find the best opportunity for you!
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