Many people think that there are enough nurses to go around in our nation but this is not the case. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there will continue to be a nursing shortage that could affect the millions of Baby Boomers who are quickly reaching age 65 and up. Their healthcare needs are rising every day and so are the costs of their care. There is a need for more nurses to fill positions so that our nation’s citizens will have proper healthcare for a better life. One reason for the nursing shortage is the retirement of some of the older nurses from the profession. Here are other factors behind the nursing shortage.
Not Enough Nursing Faculty
Another reason for the nursing shortage is inadequate faculty at nursing departments within universities and community colleges. As a result there have been increased limits on the number of students who can be accepted into nursing programs. To solve this problem, more retired nurses and healthcare administrators with nursing backgrounds can teach nursing at colleges. When this happens more aspiring nurses will have the chance to study nursing as a major. Nursing departments should also do more to recruit faculty members through social media, job fairs and nursing conferences and through TV and radio advertising.
