EXAMINING THE US NURSING SHORTAGE: CAUSES, IMPLICATIONS, AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

The US continues to face a nursing shortage that was first recognized in 1998, and widely exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has driven nursing school graduates to shift careers and active nurses to retire earlier than expected. The team conducted a literature review outlining the factors that are most responsible for the current nursing shortage and reviewing the repercussions of the shortage. The team found that burnout, low pay, a lack of educational programs, an aging nursing population, and a growing advanced practice provider workforce all contribute to the low supply of nurses, and that an aging population, more chronic illness, and a need for more highly-trained nurses all contribute to the increased demand for nurses. Based on its findings, the team recommends the following measures: 1) addressing the shortage during the recruitment phase, 2) expanding access to, and advisement provided by, Bachelor of Nursing programs, and 3) offering financial incentives for entering the nursing profession. The team further recommends that efforts to retain existing nurses should include increasing the number of nurse residency and mentorship programs, improving nurse leadership, addressing burnout, and providing financial incentives to practicing nurses.