New Jersey is expected to face a severe shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the coming years, with a projected deficit of 24,450 RNs by 2036, according to a report from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. This places the Garden State among the top four states in the nation predicted to have the largest nursing shortages.
The report, which projects a nationwide shortage of nearly 338,000 full-time RNs by 2036, highlights the growing concern over the scarcity of nurses in New Jersey. The state's aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services are contributing to this looming crisis.
The shortage is not limited to RNs. The demand for licensed practical and vocational nurses is also expected to outpace supply between 2021 and 2036, resulting in a projected shortage of 99,070 full-time LPNs in 2036.
The severity of the shortage varies significantly across states and regions. While Georgia is projected to have the greatest shortage, data shows a 42 percent oversupply of RNs in North Dakota. Non-metro areas are also projected to have a higher shortage of RNs than metro areas through 2036.
Health officials warn that this shortage could have serious implications for the quality of healthcare in the state. Efforts to address this issue are needed to ensure that New Jersey's healthcare system can meet the needs of its residents in the future.