National, state, and local organizations continue to report on the national nursing shortage. Here’s a round-up of the latest news:

The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living just released a report that showed:

  • 94% of nursing facilities are experiencing staffing shortages during the past month. 
  • Nearly 75% of nursing homes and nearly 60% of assisted living facilities said their overall staffing situation has worsened since 2020. 

Lori Porter, CEO of the National Association of Health Care Assistants recently warned the U.S. is facing a certified nurse aide shortage of about 200,000. She said the situation is worsened by a surging number of unvaccinated aides being forced to quarantine with cases of a new COVID-19 variant. Read the report from McKnights Long Term Care news here. 

Reports from healthcare officials and leaders at the state level echo these concerns:  

  • In Kansas, a new report on Health Care Vacancies and Turnover found that vacancy and turnover rates in 2020 for licensed practical nurses, staff nurses and certified nursing assistants are higher than in all previous years dating to 2013. Read more here.   
  • In New Jersey, Andy Aronson, the president and CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, said the national (AHCA) statistics reflect what is happening in the Garden State, and that better salaries and benefits could help facilities recruit and retain staff members.  Read the story reported by local station 101.5 here.
  • In North Carolina, a new Higher Ed Work report finds the state could face a shortage of 5,000 licensed practical nurses – more than 20% of the LPN workforce – by 2033. Meanwhile, Smoky Mountain News reports “nearly every nursing home facility in Western North Carolina is currently hiring for multiple positions.” Read the full story here. 
  • In Ohio, Pete Vanrunkle, Executive Director of the Ohio Healthcare Association, says all 1,100 of his long-term care facilities are juggling the same staffing issue. Read the story from Channel 5 here. 
  • In Pennsylvania, the Central Penn Business Journal reports “too many nurses are leaving the profession because of the high stress, despite the decent pay and benefits.” Read more here. 
  • In Texas, Cindy Zolnierek, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association, recently highlighted a study that predicted the state would be 57,000 registered nurses short in 2032. Read more here. 

At Gale Healthcare, these reports are a reminder of why we do what we do. We can’t train and credential the millions of nursing professionals this country needs, but with a simple, easy-to-use app, we can alert all available caregivers in your area to open shifts and pay them right after they’re done. We’re finding this approach works. In community after community, we’re helping healthcare facilities close the gap in their nursing staff needs. 

If you’re a facility manager struggling to find staff, contact us here. With per diem, travel, and permanent placement options, we’ll do all we can to help you find the staff you need as part of our mission – ensuring no person goes without care.