The shortage tsunami and high school guidance counselors' perspectives on future nurse recruitment

Abstract

The current recession has eased the shortage of registered nurses (RNs), but this must be viewed only as a transient, temporary lull. The nurse shortage predictions still are greatly concerning. This article extends the most current RN shortage forecasts, an overview of this shortage "tsunami", and recent/current workforce recruitment strategies across the United States. A related explanatory study of high school counselors is presented, designed to improve understanding of decision-making influences on today's youth and to explore the extent of awareness counselors have about nursing.