NURSING SHORTAGE: State Intervention Needed, Report Suggests

Although California's nursing shortage could seriously detract from California's health care delivery system, the state's education programs are not equipped to boost the supply of nurses, according to a report released by the California Strategic Planning Committee for Nursing (CSPCN). The report, presented last week at the first meeting of the advisory committee established by the state Assembly to address the issue, pinpoints shortage areas and potential shortage growth through 2006. CSPCN Project Director Ellen Lewis said, "We hope that the ... advisory committee will take advantage of our report's comprehensive data and we are dedicated to working with them to solve the state's critical nursing shortage." Among the report's findings:

About 10% of all nursing positions statewide are unfilled;
Through 2006, there will be a projected shortfall of more than 17,000 nursing professionals;
California has the lowest ratio of RNs to population in the nation;
50% of the state's RNs are recruited from other states and countries;
State education programs are fully enrolled and must deny admission to qualified candidates.

Peter Buerhaus, director of the Harvard Nursing Research Institute, explained, "If anything, the CSPCN report understates the urgency of the need for action. Fortunately the report's detailed recommendations provide a solution to the problem." The report's recommendations include: increasing the number of places available in California State University nursing programs; boosting scholarship support to private college students; and establishing a permanent commission to develop a long-term plan for bolstering educational programs and monitoring needs (CSPCN release, 1/27). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.