On the other hand, I think there are genuine problems. Baby boomers are approaching a time of life when they will be expected to need more health care. They also make up more than their share of nurses. About half of registered nurses will reach retirement age in the next 15 years. Women, who still make up 95 percent of the nursing force, have had more career options for years.
Nurses have more options within the field.
Layoffs have made the job look unstable. Hospital patients are sicker. They need more nursing attention. Nursing has not attracted enough men and minorities. But forecasting demand and supply is difficult.