An Overview of the CNA Shortage
Posted over 4 years ago
For those considering careers as nurses or certified nursing assistants (CNAs), it is common to hear “there are always jobs available in the field,” in no small part due to a nursing shortage. This article will examine the causes and implications of the shortage of nurses and CNAs, both nationally and in Florida.
The extent of the Shortage and Future Projections
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are over 1.5 million people employed as nursing assistants, with a projected growth rate of 9% between 2019 and 2029—faster than the rates of most occupations. Most of this projected growth is attributed to the aging population, which is increasing the number of patients requiring care each year. Another contributing factor to the rising need for nurses of all sorts is the rising demand for mandatory safe staffing ratios.