The nursing shortage: dynamics and solutions. Reflections on a recurring theme

The passage of individual state nurse practice acts in the 1900s sharpened and focused attention on the practice and function of professional nurses. However, this had little effect on increasing the demand for nurses. In the 1930s student nurses were in ample supply. They staffed units in hospitals, and seniors served as charge or head nurses. It was World War II when one finally began to see the theme of nursing shortage emerge with a vengeance. The demand far exceeded the supply, creating a severe imbalance. The intervening next 4 decades brought forth many excellent models to minimize the shortage. Even the federal government contributed to the nursing shortage by offering opportunities for better-educated practitioners, teachers, and supervisors. Thus, as the nurse became better prepared, the demand for services increased. Several milestone studies are referenced during the 1970s and 1980s that attempted to balance the nursing shortage equation. The US objectives for the year 2000 provide specific guidelines as to what demands will be placed upon the nurse practitioner and educator. Can we meet those demands? Yes--with the full utilization of information technology to prepare the student and nurse practitioner to take advantage of this enormous information explosion. Will the nursing shortage continue to be a recurring theme? Yes! As nurses become better educated and ready for practice and patient-client problem solving, and as they provide strong voices in health policy formulation, the demands for their services will continue to far exceed the supply.