How the nursing shortage can benefit you
You have heard the news, there is a nursing shortage in America. Retirements and an aging population is placing pressure on hospitals and medical practices to recruit and promote nurses. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for nurses will grow at a rate of 15 percent through 2026, which will result in the need of more than 438,000 registered nurse positions.1 This means that you are in demand.
To combat the shortage of nurses in the nation, hospitals are offering incentives and benefits to attract nurses. CNN Money recently reported that hospitals are offering “five-figure signing bonuses, free housing, college tuition for employees and their children.”2 Other institutions are offering career development programs tied to compensation rewards, financial incentives for much needed short-term nursing assignments, and programs designed to create a healthier and fulfilling workplace to reduce turnover.3 Furthermore, as you move up in your nursing career, the demand for higher-quality and better educated nurses can result in higher salaries and additional benefits.
The effects of the nursing shortage are being felt in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is being hit hard by the shortage and it’s getting worse.4 With the demand for nurses in Pennsylvania increasing, hospitals are now more competitive in attracting talent. Pennsylvania hospitals are offering nurses signing bonuses, typically in the range of $5,000 to $20,000.5
So, if you are looking to switch careers and become a nurse or if you are a nurse who wants to expand your credentials, now is the time to go back to school and benefit from the nursing shortage. Learn more about Gwynedd Mercy’s nursing programs and start advancing your career.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses. April 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1
2 “Hospitals offer big bonuses, free housing and tuition to recruit nurses.” CNN Money. March 8, 2018.
3 “How 5 health systems are recruiting, retaining nurses during an RN shortage.” Becker’s Hospital Review. January 21, 2016. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/human-capital-and-risk/how-5-health-systems-are-recruiting-retaining-nurses-during-an-rn-shortage.html
4 “Pennsylvania is Feeling the Effects of the State-Wide Nurse Shortage.” Western Pennsylvania Healthcare News. May 18, 2018.
5 “There’s a nursing shortage nationwide – but it’s a $100,000 job in York County.” York Daily Record. July 18, 2018.
