Deficit of Licensed Nurses in USA

United States are in the middle of Licensed Nurses (LN) deficit growth. And this growth will accelerate as “baby-boomers” generation is aging and the need for medical care increases. Colleges and universities are trying to solve the problem through expanding enrollment across the country in accordance with the growing demand for nursing care.Being concerned of Licensed Nurses (LN) deficit, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is working in schools, with training specialists, interested organizations and the media to draw attention to health crisis.• According to USA Bureau of Labor Statistics latest projections published in February Monthly Labor Review in 2004, by 2012 they will need more than one million people to replace existing and fill new nursing vacancies. For the first time, the U.S. Labor Department determined nursing specialty as a profession that will come first in employment growth in 2012.• According to the Office of Health and Medical Services report from July 2002, in 2000 they found deficit of Licensed Nurses (LN) in 30 states. They project acceleration of deficit growth in the next two decades, while by 2020 the deficit of nurses in USA is expected in 44 states plus the District of Columbia.• According to the data received from National Council of Licensed Nurses (LN) Department, the number of primary graduates of U.S. secondary medical schools, preparing to pass NCLEX-RNR, examination for the state license, decreased by 10% from 1995 to 2004. Total in 2004, the number of students passing NCLEX-RNR was on 9353 persons less in comparison with 1995.According to the Ministry of Labor, the profession of Certified Nurse is one of five professions in the United States, characterized by a sharp increase in employment level.By 2012, to replace and fill new jobs, they will require an additional 1,000,000 nurses. Profession of Nursing assistant is predicted to be the second among all other occupations by the number of required jobs; there assumed great employment opportunities in various fields and structures of health system; while many employers report on difficulties in attracting and retaining of required number of LN.Average annual income of Licensed Nurses was $ 52,333 in 2004, and the maximum annual income – $ 74,760. The average annual income in the industries employing the largest number of licensed nurses (LN) in 2004 was:• Employment services $ 63,170
• Therapeutic and surgical hospitals $ 53,450
• Home nursing $ 48,990
• Private physician offices $ 48,250
• Agencies that provide nursing care at home $ 48,220Many employers offer flexible work schedule, childcare, benefits for continuing education and various bonuses. Licensed Nurses (LN), as well as their families, are provided with excellent medical insurance.