Global Nurse Shortage Could Reach 13 Million by 2030
According to a report comprised of data from nursing associations around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating significant need for more nurses on a global level if measures are not taken to recruit and retain the workforce.
A report published in January 2022 by the International Centre for Nurse Migration in partnership with CGFNS International and the International Council of Nurses investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global nursing workforce. According to the report, as many as 13 million more nurses may be needed by 2030; the world’s current nursing workforce totals approximately 28 million.
The report explains that taking action to sustain and retain workers could minimize the shortage. Data from surveys of nurse associations around the world were included in the report. The report’s authors also stressed that prioritizing vaccinations, providing safe staffing levels, and expanding domestic nurse education systems could help with shortages.
"We knew the situation was fragile because of the persistent historical underfunding of nursing around the world, but with the latest information about nurse vacancies, their rates of intention to leave and staff sickness rates, it must now be recognized as a global crisis," said International Council of Nurses CEO Howard Catton, who co-authored the report.
The report found that the pandemic has increased demand for nurses in all countries, both immediately and in the next few years. According to the report, 89% of nurse shortages were found in low- and lower middle-income countries. The countries with the highest number of registered international nurses were the United States (197,000), followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
Read the full report here: https://www.icn.ch/news/new-report-calls-global-action-plan-address-nursing-workforce-crisis-and-prevent-avoidable.
