Medical Drama "The Pitt" Highlights Critical Juncture Facing Nursing Shortage
Forbes
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The U.S. nursing shortage has reached a critical juncture, as illustrated by the medical drama "The Pitt," highlighting the systemic challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Projections indicate a potential deficit of 208,000 Registered Nurses and 82,000 allied health professionals by 2037, largely driven by an aging population that will increase demand for care. The situation is worsened by barriers to entry, such as high tuition, student debt, and insufficient training opportunities, alongside short-term hiring tactics that fail to improve retention. Additionally, a lack of nursing faculty and clinical placements has left many qualified applicants unable to enter nursing programs, with over 91,000 turned away in 2021 alone.
