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The Business of
Health Care Report Texas is facing a health care crisis - the growing shortage of nurses. This shortage already is having an impact on health care in the state and its long-term implications are even more serious. In the past, we have had cycles of nursing shortages followed by nursing surpluses. This time, things are different. The numbers tell the story. The rate of RNs per 100,000 population in Texas is well below the national average. In fact, in 1999, Texas would have needed nearly 28,000 more registered nurses to match the national average. Nursing vacancy rates in hospitals range from 10 to as high as 18 percent in some specialty areas, such as intensive care units. Some hospitals, due to the shortage of nurses, are unable to open beds when they are crowded even if licensed to do so. And hospital concern over staffing issues is a strong consideration in deciding whether to expand services, even if a community assessment indicates there is a need. The average age of registered nurses in Texas today is 44, and within the next 10 to 15 years, Texas will lose a substantial portion of its RN workforce to retirement. Younger nurses to carry on this vital profession and meet the growing health needs of Baby Boomers simply do not exist and will not unless higher education produces more graduates. Compounding the crisis is the fact that the nursing education system in Texas is operating near capacity, an issue we will explore next week. If you have comments on health care or suggestions for topics to be addressed on this program, e-mail me at DouglasHawthorne@TexasHealth.org. Stay tuned to our weekly Business of Health Care reports here on TexasHealth.org and on News Radio 1080 KRLD. Source: Texas Hospital Association Doug Hawthorne - DougHawthorne@TexasHealth.org ©
2001 Texas Health Resources |
