Indiana nursing shortages impact nursing staffing levels which in turn impacts the quality of care and outcomes of health. Inadequate nursing staff leads to patient illness, injury, loss of function, and even death. Indiana nursing shortage also affects the physical and mental health of nurses as they have to work long hours with too many patients and they often get burnt out.
The future nursing needs of Indiana is expected to increase and nursing is projected to be at the top of the list for job growth in the state of Indiana and around the country throughout the next decade. Nursing needs in Indiana are expected to increase, as populations grow older and the average American’s lifespan increasing and the emergence of chronic illnesses. Ever-changing technology will also increase the demand for nurses who have advanced skills. The shortage of Registered Nurses could increase to as high as 500,000 unfilled positions in the United States by the year 2025. Approximately 37% of Registered Nurses in Indiana will reach the age for retirement by the year 2015 and 59% by the year 2020. Indiana is taking many steps to prevent the nursing shortage from becoming worse.
The Indiana Nursing Workforce Development Coalition is dedicated to recognizing factors that cause nursing shortages in Indiana. They provide adequate information to help improve and fund educational opportunities that lead to successful Indiana nursing careers. They also provide necessary information to fund research and establish essential criteria for recruiting and retaining a nursing workforce that provides high quality care.
There are many nursing schools throughout the state of Indiana and online nursing programs. Online nursing programs enable students to complete many courses online and then complete practical learning experiences at a local location. Indiana nursing careers are very rewarding and challenging and it is important for nurses to provide high quality care to make a positive influence in people’s lives.