Solving Hawai‘i’s nursing shortage takes commitment, innovation and bold action. That’s why we’re asking for your help. (download pdf file)

Archive: 2006

Supporting Nursing Retention

A shortage of registered nurses and nursing faculty positions means a shortage of quality health care in Hawai‘i

Without enough RNs:

Access to quality care is decreased.
Supply of health care services is limited or unavailable.
Underserved and rural areas receive insuffi cient care.

Patient safety is at risk.

The demand for trained nurses exceeds the supply

Without enough RNs:
Access to quality care is decreased.
Supply of health care services is limited or unavailable.
Underserved and rural areas receive insuffi cient care.
Patient safety is at risk.

The demand for trained nurses exceeds the supply
In 2006 Hawai‘i experienced a shortage of 960 RNs, which is estimated to grow to 2,220 RNs by 2016 and to 2,670 RNs by 2020.

Estimates indicate that by 2015, 31% of Hawai‘i’s RN workforce will retire. By 2020, 61% of Hawai‘i’s current workforce will retire.
Hawai‘i’s population is aging as is the nursing workforce.
The interest in nursing careers continues to increase. In 2007, 542 highly qualifi ed applicants were turned away from nursing programs* (LeVasseur SA. (2006). Survey of Nursing Education Programs 2005 – 2006) *Data is not unduplicated
Faculty shortage is a critical barrier to addressing the nursing shortage. If current graduation rates are maintained, there will be a greater than 50% shortfall in the need for new nurses by 2018.

The Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing is working towards solutions

Collecting and analyzing data on workforce demand and supply.
Preparing reports and recommendations on trends of the nursing workforce.

Conducting research on best practices and quality patient outcomes.
Developing strategies to recruit and retain nurses.
Working with nurses and others from throughout the state to design innovative projects and programs.

Full Time Equivalent Registered Nurses Supply and Shortage

While the supply of RNs is projected to increase very little from 2006 to 2020, the demand will signifi cantly increase.

Percent of Veteran Registered Nurses on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui and Moloka‘i Intending to Retire in the Next 5 Years
Out of the total veteran nurse cohort, O’ahu with the largest percentage of nurses will see 65% of our veteran RNs planning to retire in the next 5 years. On the other islands, 19% plan to retire in Hawai‘i County, 12% in Maui and 4% in Kaua‘i.

Growing Educational Capacity

Full Time Equivalent Registered Nurses Supply and Shortage

Aggressive growth in capacity is required to produce graduates to reverse the shortage.

The Center held a Summit on Nursing Education and Practice in March 2006. Outcomes include planning for a career fair for all nursing students and prospective employers and a pilot internship/ residency program for new graduate RNs.
The Center conducts an annual survey of 100% of Hawai‘i Schools of Nursing to determine educational capacity and provides this and other data on the nursing workforce to policy makers and the community.
The Hawai‘i State Legislature has shown a commitment to addressing the state’s nursing shortage by funding additional faculty positions, infrastructure and facilities for UH nursing programs.
To effectively address the nursing shortage, collaborative partnerships are needed to bring together healthcare, business, philanthropy, and government.

While education capacity is critical, equally important is a focus on keeping experienced nurses in the workforce

Hawai‘i Partners in Nursing: This grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with the HMSA Foundation builds partnerships with four long-term care facilities and nursing education programs in the state in order to recruit and retain nurses in long term care.
Leadership Development: Because leadership is known to be a critical component of retaining staff nurses, the Center provides a leadership course to nurses across the State of Hawai‘i. The program includes training and development in confl ict resolution, communication, creative problem solving, team building, and decision making.
Residency Program: New graduates are particularly vulnerable to turnover and up to 35% to 60% change jobs within the fi rst year of graduation. The Center is in the process of offering preceptor training with planned development of a residency program for Hawai’i nurses. (Owens et al., 2001)
New Graduate Transition Survey: A 5-year longitudinal survey of new graduates is underway to explore issues in the transition from education to practice and identify turnover rates and best practices in retention.
Nurse Turnover Survey: The Center conducted a statewide survey of all registered nurses in June 2005 to focus on turnover. Data entry and analysis are near completion.

The Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing is committed to assuring that the State of Hawai‘i has the nursing resources necessary to meet the health care needs of its people. Created by the Hawai‘i State Legislature, we are FUNDED BY NURSES and are WORKING FOR NURSES