By Washington Center for Nursing
People ask us all the time: Is there really a nursing shortage? “My cousin just got laid off—my newly graduated child cannot find a job. If people need care, why are qualified nursing students being turned away from education and qualified nurses losing their positions?” To this we say: Excellent question. We’re glad you asked.
In the events of the unforeseen economic downturn, Health Care Professionals across the nation delayed retirement, part-timers became full-timers to support a laid off spouse, and hospitals cut staff to preserve budgets. We learned that nursing, although touted as a recession-proof career, was not immune to economic trends. The anticipated shortage had taken a brief break—but only to gather steam.
The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, also known as Health Care Reform, is expected to make at least 300,000 more individuals eligible for health care coverage in Washington State in 2014. All this at a time when those nurses who’ve delayed retirement will begin leaving the workforce, and as recent budget cuts to education have decreased the capacity of some nursing schools. We’re left wondering whether our institutions will have the ability to educate enough nurses in time to care for a growing patient population.
In addition to more patients, fewer nurses and not enough nurse educators, our population is aging—the cherry atop the sundae, if you will. Older individuals require specialized and prolonged care (something referred to as geriatrics in the health care world) and have chronic diseases that require higher-educated nurse intervention. And yet, due to budget crises, our schools are turning away hundreds of qualified nursing students who’ve yet to obtain an RN but who are applying for their Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
According to the Washington State Registered Nurse Supply and Demand Projections report, by 2031, Washington could be short roughly 15,000-20,000 nurses, causing an increase in opportunities for nurses, yet a potential decrease in access to care for patients.
Quite a pickle. WCN is partnering with many nursing organizations across the state to prevent a potentially devastating shortage. You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. And to this we say: ask away.
wacenterfornursing.wordpress.com 
It’s frightening to think of how close 2014 is–only 18 months away. WA is not ready to care for so many more individuals. We have a lot of collaborative planning to do.
You’re absolutely right. And it is difficult to think even of the near future when we are bombarded by daily stressors. But luckily Washington has an amazing team of organizations and individuals who are committed to solving this potential problem!