There are more than 2.6 million RNs in the United States, with more than 2.2 million actively working in nursing. Since 1996, nursing has gained only 137,666 nurses. Last year, more than 71 percent of nurses worked full time, while more than 28 percent worked part time. The vacancy rate at the national level indicates that 1,754,000 nurses are needed in the United States, and we are short at least 700,000 RNs. Hospitals report 12 percent to 25 percent increased use and have to divert or close beds because of short staffing.
Physicians are angry because they are unable to admit patients.
Many nurses consider the work environment to be hostile for good practice. Mandatory overtime adds to unsafe practices and results in patient care mistakes, which cause more angst for nurses. Salaries are inadequate and there is volatility with intrashift work overload. Clearly, nursing is a troubled profession. The vacancy problem mandates that we seize the opportunity to do things differently, as we did in the shortage of the 70s.