Is Nevada’s nursing shortage unique to hospitals owned by HCA Healthcare?
An analysis by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center shows persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new in-state nursing graduates and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimates Nevada needs more than 4,000 additional registered nurses to meet the national population-to-RN average. Additionally, the Center estimates 67% of Nevadans live in areas with a health professional shortage.
This problem is not new. A 2008 report by the state Legislature shows Nevada’s nurse staffing levels were near the bottom of national rankings 20 or more years ago, and the state’s nursing education programs needed to expand.
A recent report and a survey by the Service Employees International Union describe staffing challenges at HCA Healthcare facilities, but do not offer context about Nevada’s widespread staffing shortage.