Nurse Workforce Projections

According to bhw.hrsa.gov, the forecasts are based on historical data, including some from 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence on the nursing workforce, which may not be fully recorded in current statistics. Data for this analysis are presented at 5-year intervals (2026, 2031, and 2036).

The nursing shortage of registered nurses (RNs) across the US is projected to reach 9% by 2036, with a 10% shortage in 2026 and 2031

Non-metro areas are expected to have a higher nursing shortage than metro areas in each of the three interval years

The demand for licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs) is projected to grow faster than supply, resulting in a shortage of 99,070 LPN FTEs in 2036

The projected supply of LPNs is sufficient to meet 88% of the demand, compared to 93% in 2026. At the national level, the supply of nurse practitioners (NPs) is projected to exceed demand, but distribution remains the most important issue

LPN supply adequacy varies across states, with a 75% shortage in Maine and a 65% oversupply in Oklahoma in 2036

Source : hrsa.gov

Source : hrsa.gov

Source : hrsa.gov