Aging Nursing Workforce and Aging Baby Boomers Contributes to Looming Nursing Shortage in Florida

A recent article in Florida’s Orlando Sentinel looks ahead to a looming shortage of nurses in that state as large numbers of nurses approach retirement age and aging baby boomers will require more health care.

The article features an interview with Mary Lou Brunell, executive director of the Florida Center for Nursing, who said, "This shortage is different. It’s not driven by the economy, but an aging population – both nurses and patients." Brunell provided some good news, however, emphasizing that the shortage can be averted by investing in nursing education. More than 12,000 qualified applicants were turned away from Florida nursing schools in 2007-2008.

• Florida is one of 30 states with multi-stakeholder teams working with the Center to Champion Nursing in America to increase educational capacity. Learn more about our state efforts.