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Texas Expected To Face 71K+ Nursing Shortage By 2030

Photo by Pranidchakan Boonrom from Pexels CC0: http://bit.ly/2QP2Qsi

Across the U.S., including in Texas, there are simply not enough nurses. Demand for all types will likely exceed Texas' healthcare workforce supply by the end of the decade, with a labordeficit of 59,970 Registered Nurses alone.

Nursing is the country's largest health care profession and nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, but demand continues to outpace supply.

Contributing factors include a lack of nursing graduate degrees and educators;  increased need from aging baby boomers and the current nursing workforce; climbing rates of chronic issues like obesity and diabetes; and workplace violence against nurses.

What is the current and potential future impact of the projected nursing shortfall in Texas and nationwide? How will a lack of nurses affect health outcomes for Texas' growing population? Who will be the most affected?

How are educational institutions, hospitals and other industry partners working to close the gap? What efforts are underway that incentivize nursing careers and improve overall working conditions for nurses in Texas?

What are the qualifications for nursing jobs and what training is required? What resources are available for individuals interested in pursuing a nursing career?

Guests: 

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org  or tweet @TPRSource.

*This interview was recorded on Monday, January 6.

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Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Williams is a Producer for The Source at Texas Public Radio. With a degree in Mass Communication — Broadcast Media, Dallas brings a unique perspective and a passion to producing a live, call-talk show.