Nurse practitioner is the sixth-fastest-growing career in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are also expected to grow at a rate higher than the national average by 2026. Every day 10,000 baby boomers turn 60; more nurses will be needed to provide them medical care.
Despite the job opportunity, many hospitals are struggling to fill roles. By 2030, the US will have hundreds of thousands of vacant RN jobs, particularly in the South and on the West Coast, a 2012 paper from the University of Nebraska found.
Since nursing is a relatively high-paying profession — registered nurses make an average of $71,730 a year — the job’s high demands may be turning workers away. Many nurses are reaching retirement age, and enrollment at nursing schools is not rising fast enough to keep up with demand, says American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
To learn about effective nurse recruitment and retention strategies, contact SelfCare for HealthCare™. Contact me today to discuss implementing this powerful program at your facility. Interested in LeAnn Thieman’s keynote speaking, training and workshops? Email lthieman@leannthieman.com.
