Between 1983 and 1998, the number of working RNs under the age of 30 fell 41 percent. During the same period, the number of working people under 30 in the U.S. workforce overall dropped just 1 percent. Ill. Coupled with declining nursing school enrollments the last several years, these demographic factors make a persistent shortage of RNs appear inevitable. If you look back at the last five years, you see a 21 percent drop in enrollments in the nation's baccalaureate nursing programs. It would take a number of years of dramatic increases to address the current shortage and intensifying problem that will result when large numbers of nurses start to retire.
Efforts are underway to combat the impending problem.
There are multiple activities going on. For those who go to work in areas of need after graduation, there is even the potential for some loan forgiveness through Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act, the Nurse Education Act. Hospitals are also offering financial support to nursing students. Many provide tuition reimbursement to staff members who want to become nurses. A growing number offer tuition assistance to nursing students who agree to join their organizations after graduating.