Registered Nurses in California Are Looking at a Growing Demand

Registered nurses are always in need throughoutIt has not been announced if this program, or a
California. There is a constant change of this specialtysimilar program, will be available in future years.
workforce due to the availability of new nursesThe Forecasts of the Registered Nurse Workforce in
opposed to those leaving California or leaving theCalifornia
profession. A year ago there were 292,565Late last year California presented a forecast for
registered nurses, in the state, with current licenses.Registered Nurses, in regards to the workforce, for
The Inflow and Outflow of Nurses2009-2030. The report was careful to consider
In major studies the term 'inflow' is used to refer todifferent factors such as the aging of the RN
registered nurses currently available to go to work.workforce, new graduates, and so forth. The report
The term, 'outflow' refers to those leaving the stateforecast that California would have 458,733
of California or people who have left the nursing fieldRegistered Nurses by 2030. The report took into
for one reason or another. This can refer to peopleaccount the fact that California was in a deep
who have retired, allowed their license to lapse, orrecession when the report was completed. Prior to
left the state. Studies also rely on the differentthis the state had faced a significant long-term
factors that affect the workforce. This can includeshortage. The report indicates the shortage of
such things as our present economic situation.qualified nurses will resume once the recession ends.
California Nurse Education InitiativePrevious forecasts agreed that the shortage would
California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggerworsen unless steps were taken in order for
introduced the California Nurse Education Initiative inCalifornia to increase the supply. It states that just
2005. The program was funded for five years at alast year the state suffered a shortage of 30,000
cost of $90 million. The purpose of the program hasRegistered Nurses.
been to add thousands of nurses to the hospital andIt is clear that California continues to suffer from a
health care facilities. It was determined that CAshortage of Registered Nurses. Unless some drastic
colleges graduated less than 6,000 nurses each year.measures are taken, this outlook remains in the
However, 9,5000 new nurses are needed to keephorizon for a number of years ahead. If you're
pace with the demand. When this program wasinterested in becoming an RN you should look for a
created the state suffered a shortage of 14,000CA Registered Nursing school in your area.
nurses. This program will end during our current year.