California nurse leaders address the state's nurse shortage

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) projects that, if current trends continue, by 2020 the national shortage of registered nurses (RNs) will be more than 800,000. Only 70% of the nation's nursing needs will be met. California forecasts indicate that only 63% of the demand will be met in 2020.1 The California Employment Development Department predicts that by 2010 the state will need nearly 110,000 new RNs to meet the demand of the growing and aging population and to replace retiring nurses. Currently, the state has the capacity to educate only 50% of the need.2