Today, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) and Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA), along with the Nebraska Health Care Workforce Collaborative, are releasing a new Nursing Workforce Shortage report that highlights the critical gap in nursing in the state as well as the urgent need to invest in education, recruitment and retention.
Nebraska, like many other states in the U.S., has a nursing workforce shortage. This shortage is characterized by a gap between the demand for nursing services and the number of available nurses to meet that demand. Factors contributing to this shortage include an aging population, an aging nursing workforce, and a lack of resources for nursing education and training. As a result, health care organizations in our state are struggling to fill nursing positions, which can have significant consequences for patient care and the overall health care system.
“Our hospitals in Nebraska face tremendous pressure when it comes to recruiting and retaining a stable and healthy workforce,” remarked Jeremy Nordquist, NHA President. “This report highlights the significant gaps in nursing across the state, especially in the areas of behavioral health and critical care.”
Key takeaways from this report include:
According to the Nebraska Center for Nursing, Nebraska will experience a workforce shortage of 5,435 nurses by 2025.
A Kaiser Family Foundation/ Washington Post poll found that about 3 in 10 health care workers considered leaving their profession, and about 6 in 10 said pandemic-related stress had harmed their mental health.
73 of Nebraska’s 93 counties have less than the national average ratio of registered nurses (RNs) to patients.
66 of Nebraska’s counties have been deemed medically underserved.
9 counties have no registered nurses.
Nationally, 69% of nursing schools reported that even after receiving qualified applications, students were rejected due to insufficient availability of clinical sites.
A survey by AHA’s American Organization for Nursing Leadership found that one of the top challenges and reasons for health care staffing shortages reported by nurses was “emotional health and wellbeing of staff.” This level of burnout as well as other existing health care workforce pressures, has left hospitals across the country dealing with critical staffing shortages.
This ongoing nursing shortage affects both Nebraska’s physical and its economic health. Lack of care impedes the ability of communities throughout the state to attract and retain residents and the businesses that employ them. A sufficient, healthy workforce is foundational to maintaining access to high quality care. Staffing shortages have driven an increase in wages, forcing hospitals to invest significant resources to recruit and retain staff.
It is imperative that we invest in ongoing training and educational programs, from a very early age, which highlight health care and the myriad of opportunities available to young people. To ensure access to quality health care for all Nebraskans, it is essential to increase clinical sites and attract and retain qualified instructors for our nursing programs. By working together, healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers can take the necessary steps to ensure that Nebraska has a sustainable health care workforce for years to come.
About the NHA
The Nebraska Hospital Association has been the guiding force of its members since 1927. The NHA serves as the influential voice of its members in the health care legislative and public arenas, promoting the delivery of quality health care and influencing public opinion of hospitals and health networks. Members depend on the Association for information, advice, education and changes in health care regulations, legislation, trends and other issues.
About the NeRHA
The Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA) is the result of a shared vision among health care providers across Nebraska, who recognize the value of uniting in support of rural health care throughout our state. This grassroots, non-profit organization is powered and driven by its members: a wide variety of medical professionals and organizations invested in the health and wellness of rural Nebraskans.
About the Nebraska Health Care Workforce Collaborative
The Nebraska Health Care Workforce Collaborative is comprised of twenty leading healthcare and educational organizations focused on addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in Nebraska. The Collaborative was initiated by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) and the Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA).
