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Summary
The critical national nursing shortage has ended, with significant declines in hospital nurse vacancy and turnover rates since 1979. Understanding market factors may help prevent future nurse shortages.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare workforce dynamics
- Nursing economics
Background:
- The late 1970s saw a critical national nursing shortage.
- This shortage reached crisis levels in many communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the recent reversal in nurse availability.
- To explore factors influencing the nursing market.
- To identify strategies for averting future nurse shortages.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national nursing vacancy rates.
- Examination of hospital nurse turnover data.
- Trend analysis from 1979 onwards.
Main Results:
- Significant decline in hospital nurse vacancy rates since 1979.
- Marked reduction in nurse turnover rates observed.
- Shift from shortage to surplus in some hospital settings.
Conclusions:
- The previous national nursing shortage has subsided.
- Understanding market dynamics is key to preventing future shortages.
- Proactive strategies may ensure adequate nurse staffing levels.