Skip to content

Nursing Staff Shortage


The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care given the national move toward healthcare reform. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is working with schools, policy makers, nursing organizations, and the media to bring attention to this healthcare concern. Learn more by visiting the website https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Shortage

or download a PDF version https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/News/Factsheets/Nursing-Shortage-Factsheet.pdf

ANA Urges US Department of Health and Human Services to Declare Nurse Staffing Shortage a National Crisis

This press release was originally published Sep 1, 2021 by the ANA. For more information visit their website.

SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million nurses, urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare the current and unsustainable nurse staffing shortage facing our country a national crisis. In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, ANA calls for the Administration to acknowledge and take concrete action to address the current crisis-level nurse staffing shortage that puts nurses’ ability to care for patients in jeopardy.

“The nation’s health care delivery systems are overwhelmed, and nurses are tired and frustrated as this persistent pandemic rages on with no end in sight. Nurses alone cannot solve this longstanding issue and it is not our burden to carry,” said ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “If we truly value the immeasurable contributions of the nursing workforce, then it is imperative that HHS utilize all available authorities to address this issue.”

ANA calls on the Administration to deploy these policy solutions to address the dire nurse staffing shortage crisis. HHS must:

  • Convene stakeholders to identify short- and long-term solutions to staffing challenges to face the demand of the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensure the nation’s health care delivery system is best equipped to provide quality care for patients, and prepared for the future challenges.
  • Work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on methodologies and approaches to promote payment equity for nursing services and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to APRN practice.
  • Educate the nation on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide resources for widespread administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and any subsequent boosters.
  • Sustain a nursing workforce that meets current and future staffing demands to ensure access to care for patients and prioritize the mental health of nurses and other health professionals.
  • Provide additional resources including recruitment and retention incentives that will attract students to the nursing profession and retain skilled nurses to the demands of patient care.

“ANA stands ready to work with HHS and other stakeholders on a whole of government approach to ensure we have a strong nursing workforce today and in the future,” said Dr. Grant. “Our nation must have a robust nursing workforce at peak health and wellness to administer COVID-19 vaccines, educate communities, and provide safe patient care for millions of Americans.  We cannot be a healthy nation until we commit to address underlying, chronic nursing workforce challenges that have persisted for decades.”

# # #

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4.3 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.

ANA Urges US Department of Health and Human Services to Declare Nurse Staffing Shortage a National Crisis

This press release was originally published Sep 1, 2021 by the ANA. For more information visit their website.

SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million nurses, urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare the current and unsustainable nurse staffing shortage facing our country a national crisis. In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, ANA calls for the Administration to acknowledge and take concrete action to address the current crisis-level nurse staffing shortage that puts nurses’ ability to care for patients in jeopardy.

“The nation’s health care delivery systems are overwhelmed, and nurses are tired and frustrated as this persistent pandemic rages on with no end in sight. Nurses alone cannot solve this longstanding issue and it is not our burden to carry,” said ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “If we truly value the immeasurable contributions of the nursing workforce, then it is imperative that HHS utilize all available authorities to address this issue.”

ANA calls on the Administration to deploy these policy solutions to address the dire nurse staffing shortage crisis. HHS must:

  • Convene stakeholders to identify short- and long-term solutions to staffing challenges to face the demand of the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensure the nation’s health care delivery system is best equipped to provide quality care for patients, and prepared for the future challenges.
  • Work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on methodologies and approaches to promote payment equity for nursing services and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to APRN practice.
  • Educate the nation on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide resources for widespread administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and any subsequent boosters.
  • Sustain a nursing workforce that meets current and future staffing demands to ensure access to care for patients and prioritize the mental health of nurses and other health professionals.
  • Provide additional resources including recruitment and retention incentives that will attract students to the nursing profession and retain skilled nurses to the demands of patient care.

“ANA stands ready to work with HHS and other stakeholders on a whole of government approach to ensure we have a strong nursing workforce today and in the future,” said Dr. Grant. “Our nation must have a robust nursing workforce at peak health and wellness to administer COVID-19 vaccines, educate communities, and provide safe patient care for millions of Americans.  We cannot be a healthy nation until we commit to address underlying, chronic nursing workforce challenges that have persisted for decades.”

# # #

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4.3 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.

Nursing as a Second Career

Nursing as a Second Career -It’s never too late. Nursing is an excellent choice at any stage of your life because good nurses are always

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Speciality Nursing

Once you’re a Registered Nurse (RN), you can take your career in so many new directions by specializing in an area you enjoy, with endless

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Paying for Nursing School

Many resources exist to assist nursing students with the cost of nursing school, from federal student aid (FAFSA) to scholarships and grants. Loan repayment programs

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nurses Transforming Healthcare

Nurses Transforming Healthcare --Nurses are innovators, leaders, scientists, and fierce patient advocates, improving healthcare and patient outcomes across communities and in various settings every day.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Jobs for RNs will increase 15% by 2026

Registered nurses are highly sought after across the US. Find out which states offer the most job opportunities and highest salaries. https://nursing.jnj.com/where-to-work/      

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Fast-Paced, Team-Based: The Exciting Possibilities of Perioperative Nursing

Johnson & Johnson nursing discusses perioperative nursing.  Is perioperative nursing for you? Perioperative or operating room (OR) nurses provide patient-focused care in a variety of

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Why Become a Nurse?

Nurses are leaders, innovators, and fierce patient advocates Content shared from Johnson & Johnson Nursing A career in nursing is one of the most dynamic,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

How to succeed in college – Oregon Goes to College

You may find college different from high school in many ways. Our partners at Oregon Goes to College have shared the following tips on preparing

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November is College Application Month – Oregon Goes to College

The Oregon Goes to College Website helps you navigate the college application process. Learn what you need to do to apply for college: 📝 Be prepared

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Open doors to advanced nursing employment

Do you have an associate’s degree? Do you aspire to advance your career in the field of healthcare? If you answered yes, then the RN

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Transfer up to 25% of your college-level credits from other institutions

Choosing the right BSN program can shape your future in nursing. At Sumner College, we value the effort you've put into your education. We allow

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

What makes Sumner College standout?

Are you passionate about nursing and eager to dive into a rewarding career? At Sumner College, our Practical Nursing Program is designed to fast-track your

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

SUMNER COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE MONTH: AUGUST 2023

Congratulations to LPN student, Sarah, for being awarded the Student of the Month for August, 2023. Sarah is inspired by an unwavering passion to help

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November BSN Info Sessions Now Open

We are committed to helping every student make the right choice for their career. Part of our admission requirement is for you to attend a

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

For Healthcare to Work, It Takes Nurses – Johnson & Johnson

Join us in recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the irreplaceable value and impact that nurses bring to healthcare, every day. Proudly Advocating for, Elevating and Empowering

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

You Know You’re a Pediatric Nurse When…

It’s easy to pick a pediatric nurse out of a crowd — just look for the Elmo strapped to their stethoscope and the SpongeBob characters covering

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October can feel different for each of us — some wear pink to celebrate, some quietly observe the month, some feel grief, and some feel

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Fun Facts About Nursing

Article shared from NurseTogether Becoming a registered nurse is the ultimate goal for a lot of men and women looking to enter the medical field.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet

The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Careers at Sumner – We are Hiring

Sumner College is looking for a few exceptional people to fill positions at the nursing school. The following jobs have just been posted and will

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

November BSN Info Sessions – Now Open

Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of the

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Spirit Week

It's time to get your spirit on at Sumner College. We've planned a week of activities for our nursing students. Special events are sprinkled throughout

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Welcome New Nursing Students

Welcome to our new BSN, LPN and RNtoBSN students starting this month on their journey to becoming a nurse.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Unlock your Success with the RN to BSN Program, Online

Are you a working RN and considered earning your BSN? Look no further than Sumner College's RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN is

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Benefits of Going to College

Education or training beyond high school is important. A college degree gives you more opportunities and a better life. "The purpose of college is not

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Going Back to School to be a Registered Nurse

Want to change careers? See how becoming a registered nurse offers a relatively quick option for professionals to jumpstart a new, fulfilling career. In 2019,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

College Prep for High School Seniors

Parents - Are you staying on top of your high school senior student with important dates and tasks as they explore their next adventure after

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

October Info Sessions Now Available – Enrolling for January 2024

Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Tips to Stay Health in Nursing School

The key components to staying healthy during your nursing education and going forward are to minimize stress, a proper nutritional daily intake, and an active

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: July 2023

Congratulations to ADN student, Kindra, for being awarded the Student of the Month for July 2023. Kindra was introduced to the nursing profession through their

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn