Posted on 08/08/22
| News Source: WMAR2NEWS
A report commissioned by the Maryland Hospital Association warns about a dire need for nurses in the state.
It shows one in every four nursing positions, currently vacant in Maryland.
That equates to statewide shortage of about 5,000 full-time registered nurses and 4,000 licensed practical nurses.
Without action, the association fears those numbers could double or even triple by 2035.
Studies show high staff turnover, shifting care delivery models, and an insufficient talent pipeline as the driving factors.
More specifically, the stress of acute care and burnout accelerated by COVID-19 contributed to the turnover, as did violence against healthcare workers.
A survey of Maryland Board of Nursing licensees and certificate holders, found 62 percent thought about recently leaving the profession.
Feeling overworked, burned out, and unappreciated was the main reason for nearly 40 percent of those who responded.
Also, Maryland's financing system caps hospital budgets and payrolls that hinder their ability to compete nationally to retain talent.