There is a severe nursing shortage across the US and some parts of Canada. It is expected to get worse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states Registered Nurses make up the largest health care occupation, accounting for 2.1 million jobs in 1998. There are some who estimate that there will be close to one half million new nurses needed by the year 2020. Overall the job market is very tight and many are choosing careers in the technology sector over traditional service careers.
Many hospitals cut nursing staff due to demands on the systems from managed care.
Health care has been in turmoil during the past few years because of managed care, but now things are starting to change. Now because of public outcry, hospitals are increasing nursing staffs. In Lubbock alone, there are currently at least 230 nurse vacancies. Many hospitals are attempting to address the shortage of qualified nurses, by offering sign-on bonuses, relocation bonuses and tuition reimbursement to fill vacant positions. These measures are mildly successful, but only address the problem for the short term.