With predictions that this nursing shortage will be more severe and have a longer duration than has been previously experienced, traditional strategies implemented by employers will have limited success. The aging nursing workforce, low unemployment, and the global nature of this shortage compound the usual factors that contribute to nursing shortages. For sustained change and assurance of an adequate supply of nurses, solutions must be developed in several areas: education, healthcare deliver systems, policy and regulations, and image. This shortage is not solely nursing's issue and requires a collaborative effort among nursing leaders in practice and education, health care executives, government, and the media. This paper poses several ideas of solutions, some already underway in the United States, as a catalyst for readers to initiate local programs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this ANA/OJIN independent study module: "The Nursing Shortage: Solutions for the Short and Long Term" is to provide a discussion on the issues surrounding the current nursing shortage and pose suggestions for solutions, some of which are already underway in the United States, or as a catalyst for readers to initiate as local programs.

Objectives:

After completing this independent study module and taking and successfully passing the nursing post test, you will be able to:

1. Describe causes of the current nursing shortage.
2. Discuss possible solutions to this shortage.
3. Identify potential/actual positive outcomes of the nursing shortage.

Key words: nursing shortage, solutions