Most states have seen an increase in nursing licenses. So why are there still shortages?
The health of a population is intricately linked to its healthcare system's capabilities. The U.S. is currently experiencing a deficit of doctors and nurses, leading to nearly 100 million citizens residing in areas with insufficient primary healthcare providers. This shortage is exacerbated by an aging population, a decline in experienced nurses, and obstacles in the nursing education and licensure process. Approximately 1 million registered nurses in the U.S. are over 50, and many are nearing retirement. Although there has been an increase in new nursing licenses, partly due to more young professionals entering the field and the expansion of interstate nursing during the pandemic, it hasn't been sufficient to bridge the supply-demand gap. Bachelor’s degree program enrollments rose by 3% in 2021, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. However, Ph.D. and master’s program enrollments have decreased, raising concerns about meeting the demand for advanced practice nurses. The U.S. also lacks enough nursing educators, creating a hurdle for those pursuing higher degrees. Even after obtaining their degrees, nurses face further challenges. About 10% wait six months or more for their licenses, while over a third wait three months or longer due to issues like misplaced paperwork. Those considering nursing careers are deterred by stagnant wages, stressful conditions, and burnout. Data shows that despite an overall increase in nursing licenses since 2019, some Midwestern states experienced declines between 2020 and 2022. States have fast-tracked licenses in response to urgent healthcare needs, such as the treatment of pediatric RSV cases in 2022. The rise in nursing licenses is partly due to travel nursing and temporary interstate licenses during COVID-19. Many nurses with expired emergency licenses are now seeking permanent ones, leading to application backlogs. Nonetheless, the growing elderly population demands more nurses than ever before, worsening shortages. One in six Americans is 65 or older, and seniors are projected to be nearly a quarter of the population in the coming decades. Alongside aging, chronic illnesses are increasing, heightening the need for healthcare services. Around 80% of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic illness, and 68% have two or more, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, straining the already understaffed system. The pandemic intensified existing challenges, leading to increased burnout and prompting many to leave the profession. A National Nursing Workforce study revealed that approximately 100,000 registered nurses and 34,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses exited the workforce between 2020 and 2022 due to pandemic pressures. The median age of nurses has dropped from 52 in 2020 to 46 in 2022, primarily due to the departure of veteran nurses. According to a 2022 survey, around 800,000 RNs and 185,000 LPNs, representing 20% of the licensed RN workforce, plan to leave nursing by 2027.
