MAINE, USA — Despite an increase in a new and younger generation of nurses, shortages will persist over the next several years.
That's according to a new Maine Nursing Action Coalition report.
Every year over the past three years, around 900 registered nurses in Maine have entered the workforce. However, experts say 500 additional graduates are needed annually to meet a projected shortage of around 2,800 nurses in 2030.
Pat Cirillo, president of the Cypress Research Group, prepared the forecast, which examined data from 2020 to 2024 released by the Maine Nursing Action Coalition.
"That is rough to alleviate the shortage in 2030, which would have to happen every year between now and 2028, and that's a tall order," Cirillo admitted.
The demand for care is rising as the number of Baby Boomers turning 65 is expected to peak in three years. But the report has bright spots.
The number of nurses working at the bedside under 35 has risen 29 percent over seven years. Forty percent of nurses are working past retirement age.
"Nurses are working well into their 60s, more so than when we started this data analysis," Lisa Harvey-McPherson, an RN and the co-chair of MeNac, said.
Nursing officials say inroads have been made in educating the next generation of nurses. The Maine Hospital Association represents 34 hospitals statewide and is the largest employer of nurses. Hospitals expanded clinic training sites, a core component of nurse training.
"We have done this with a particular focus in our rural hospitals, where we have seen a greater shortage of nurses," Sally Weiss of the Maine Hospital Association said.
To help with a shortfall of nursing educators and faculty, MaineHealth provided expert clinical nurses to train nurses in medical settings.
"We provide up to 30 clinical cohorts for the UMaine system and Maine Community College System just to be able to take their students," Michael Nozdrovicky, an RN at MaineHealth, said.
The report found that the number of nurses leaving or working per diem is rising. Nursing officials say efforts are underway to return nurses to the workplace full-time.
"An education RN refresher program so they feel better prepared to return to work," Nozdrovicy added.
The hope is that state funding will offset nursing school loans, and investing in hands-on training will help grow the population of nurses as the need for skilled care mounts.