DIRE DEMAND
Nursing shortage reaches critical levels
The American Nurses Association projects that more than a million new nurses need to join the workforce over the next few years to improve untenable working conditions.
Houston hospitals can’t hire nurses fast enough, and the shortage of nurses throughout Texas has reached critical levels.
Most states do not have enough nurses to meet their ever-burgeoning demand.
The nursing shortage, however, is not new. It can be traced to the late 1960s, when the federal government took action by passing the1964 Nurse Training Act in order to increase the supply of nurses by providing funding for nurse education. But it was only a step in the right direction. The problem took on epidemic proportions after the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 pandemic was diagnosed in the U.S. in January 2020, and in Texas in March 2020. But the shortage itself is largely because of an aging population and retiring nurses, according to the NurseJournal (at www.nursejournal.org).
Each year the problem becomes only more dire because many states do not have enough nurses to meet the demand.
By 2030, states with the largest projected nursing demand will include California, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Nevada and Alaska.
As Americans age, demand for health care continues to escalate at an unprecedented rate. By 2030, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the entire baby boom generation — approximately 73 million people — will be 65 or older.
Compounding the problem, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 19% of people over 55 have three or more chronic conditions, many of whom will put additional strain on health care resources.
But stressful and grueling working conditions are exacerbating the critical nursing shortage in Houston well over two years into the pandemic. Nurses are faced with long hours, understaffing and — sometimes — unruly patients.
It’s no surprise that stress and tension have led a growing number of nurses to leave full-time positions throughout the U.S. By the end of the decade, Texas’ shortage is projected to reach 60,000 nurses. And by 2030, more than 276,000 job openings are expected for registered nurses across the nation.
The need for nurses parallels a record high demand for all health care professionals. The American Nurses Association projects that more than a million new nurses need to join the workforce over the next few years to improve untenable working conditions.
Every year, the nursing shortage worsens. The demand for practically all nurses — nurses’ aides, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), registered nurses (RNs) to all nursing specialists — only intensifies.
San Francisco-based Vivian Health (at www.vivian.com), a hiring platform for health care workers, reported that demand for travel nurses has surged in Texas, largely because permanent nurses have left.
In March the number of travel jobs jumped by close to 50% compared with February. Assignments, which last two to four months, take nurses to hospitals in Texas as well as hospitals in other states.
Working as a travel nurse is not for the faint of heart. Facing what often seem like endless shifts, burnout is common. But attractive pay, along with the opportunity to travel, incentivizes the travelers.
A Vivian Health RN reported that one assignment paid four times the pay she earned as a regular nurse. Vivian Health said travel nurses earn about $2,900 a week on average.
For those considering pursuing a nursing career, this is the ideal time to jump in.
Aside from the off-thecharts demand, the career offers unlimited career opportunities, and the satisfaction and constant challenge that come from helping others.