Which States Have the Biggest Need for Registered Nurses?
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the largest amount of healthcare careers in the United States are made up of nursing jobs. The country’s healthcare system relies heavily on the services and experiences of nurses, but future projections by the HRSA suggest that multiple states are likely to experience a severe nursing shortage within the next decade. Here’s a look at the supply and demand outlook for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) until 2030.
Is There a Shortage in Nursing?
The HRSA’s report finds states may eventually experience a nursing shortage, while others are likely to see a surplus—if the current level of healthcare improves accordingly. However, the report states, “if current level of [healthcare] is maintained,” multiple states will have an alarming outlook of shortages. This potential shortage may be the result of a number of factors, including:
- Health insurance coverage
- Location
- Population
- Retirement patterns
- Shifting social priorities
- Access to healthcare
Which States Need Nurses the Most?
If the healthcare system continues to progress with normal growth, the job outlook for RNs is expected to elevate 12% from 2018-2028. Here’s a ranking order of the top five states with the most significant shortages of RNs or their full-time equivalents (FTEs) if the healthcare system remains the same until 2030.
- California – 44,500 FTEs
- Texas – 15,900 FTEs
- New Jersey – 11,400 FTEs
- South Carolina – 10,400 FTEs
- Alaska – 5,400 FTEs
For LPNs, however, the figures are slightly less significant. The states projected to have the greatest shortages of LPNs or their FTEs by 2030 include:
- Texas – 33,500 FTEs
- Pennsylvania – 18,700 FTEs
- Florida – 10,300 FTEs
- Georgia – 10,500 FTEs
- North Carolina – 10,700 FTEs
Start Your Career in Nursing
While it might seem like landing a career in nursing will only get easier, it can still be difficult to find the right professional fit for your experience, goals, and lifestyle. If you’re an RN, LPN, or other healthcare professional looking to start or advance your career, partner with the healthcare recruiters at HealthCare Support. Weighing your personal and professional information against the open positions that best fit your wants and needs, our team will help you secure a job where you can truly excel. To join our talent network and learn more about our professional healthcare services, call us today at 407-478-0332.