|
Nursing crisis looms as baby boomers age |
|
|
|
|
Written by Aaron Smith
|
|
Friday, 25 December 2009 |
|
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- America could be facing a nursing shortage that will worsen exponentially as the population grows older.
The problem: Baby boomers are getting older and will require more care than ever, taxing an already strained nursing system.
America has had a nursing shortage for years, said Peter Buerhaus, workforce analyst at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn. But by 2025, the country will be facing a shortfall of 260,000 RNs, he said.
"In a few short years, just under four out of 10 nurses will be over the age of 50," said Buerhaus. "They'll be retiring out in a decade. And we're not replacing these nurses even as the demand for them will be growing." Read more...
|
