What are states that have high nursing shortages?

Katnip, RN · Sep 19, 2008

Most states have a shortage. But a recent article stated Maryland has one of the worst. I haven't seen that, though. I'm looking for a new job and am having a hard time even finding ads.

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

I live in Maryland too. I think most of the need is in Western Maryland. (I am guessing)

SwampCat, BSN · Sep 19, 2008

I've heard Florida is hurting pretty bad. I live in CT and searched the hospital job openings the other day and there really wasn't all that much.

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

OH... I have heard Arizona is having a shortage too.

SwampCat, BSN · Sep 19, 2008

I could be totally off, but I suppose any state that has a high amount of retirees would be more in need than others.

hellerd2003, RN · Sep 19, 2008

Nevada has a nursing shortage, but it's a different shortage than when I moved out here almost 3 years ago. When I came out, I interviewed at only two hospitals (of my choosing) as a new grad-- and only wanted to work ICU. At both, I was offered an ICU position the day I interviewed. At present, my unit is not accepting new grads into ICU unless they've worked in OUR ICU in another capacity (i.e., respiratory therapist, nurse apprentice, etc.). All new hires start on nights, no matter their experience. There's too many nurses on night shift that want day positions. And we usually staff our night shortages with nurses in-house hoping to advance from our stepdown unit into ICU.

It seems that most shortages are either med-surg or IMC (stepdown). Indeed, I know of a person who was hired into the stepdown unit from out of state, despite having ICU experience (and despite ICU openings being present). We fill from within before we fill through without. So, specialties may be more difficult to get hired into; however, there are positions out there. Depends on what you want.

DebRN06 · Sep 19, 2008

State of Denial

where the powers that be live, where the supposed nursing shortage has been made up to deny the real issues and ensure problems are not addressed... (i.e. keeping nurses from leaving d/t working conditions in hospitals or keeping nurses in the profession altogether, etc).

Sorry, not the answer you were looking for.... couldn't help myself. :wink2:

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

Certain areas have shortage in every state. But I read a notice recently that stated Oh, Pa, Az, Nv, Ca, Fa, Tx, Md, and the DC would have trouble finding and keeping nurses in the next few years. Seems the COL, living conditions, jobs for spouses, and schools for kids have a been a factor in all of these areas. Just going by what the article stated. Good luck.

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

State of Denial
where the powers that be live, where the supposed nursing shortage has been made up to deny the real issues and ensure problems are not addressed... (i.e. keeping nurses from leaving d/t working conditions in hospitals or keeping nurses in the profession altogether, etc).
Sorry, not the answer you were looking for.... couldn't help myself. :wink2:

Oooh... yes. I do believe that facilities need to concentrate on better working conditions for nurses, along with addressing the real issues. SO TRUE!

princesasabia · Sep 19, 2008

Certain areas have shortage in every state. But I read a notice recently that stated Oh, Pa, Az, Nv, Ca, Fa, Tx, Md, and the DC would have trouble finding and keeping nurses in the next few years. Seems the COL, living conditions, jobs for spouses, and schools for kids have a been a factor in all of these areas. Just going by what the article stated. Good luck.

I can see why I never wanted to live in those states anyways. CA would be okay if the cost of living wasnt so high, as for the other places they dont appeal to me.

princesasabia · Sep 19, 2008

State of Denial
where the powers that be live, where the supposed nursing shortage has been made up to deny the real issues and ensure problems are not addressed... (i.e. keeping nurses from leaving d/t working conditions in hospitals or keeping nurses in the profession altogether, etc).
Sorry, not the answer you were looking for.... couldn't help myself. :wink2:

No its okay. I hear a lot of nurses say this. It makes me think sometimes that I should become something else in the health care field. Who is going to addess and fix these problems???