New Study Focuses on Rebuilding NJ’s Nursing Workforce

On Jan 10, 2024

The 2024 edition of the annual Nursing Data and Analysis report, released today from the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), focuses on how to effectively rebuild the state nursing workforce in the aftermath of the pandemic. Available via download at https://njccn.org/nursing-workforce-supply-and-demand/ – the report is intended to provide policy- and decision-makers with a clearer understanding of the current state of nursing in New Jersey, and then utilize the information to address obvious challenges.

Of particular significance is demand for nurses outpacing supply. Nationwide, the annual turnover rate for RNs is 22.5%, while in New Jersey (in 2022, the most recent year for which information is available), the figure is 26%. For LPNs in New Jersey, the turnover rate is 46%, while for nurse practitioners it’s 24%. In terms of retirement plans, 6% or RNs, 4% of LPNs, and 3% of nurse practitioners indicate they intend to leave the profession within the next two years.

The 2024 report emphasizes the crucial need to boost nursing education system capacity through investments, noting that in RN programs, 10% of full-time faculty positions are vacant. In LPN programs, that number is 20%.

“The data from this 2024 report makes it very clear that our population is aging – which means an increase in chronic conditions – and the availability of nurses isn’t keeping up,” explains NJCCN Executive Director Edna Cadmus, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “We need both major investments and innovative solutions to address this situation, so we can create a more robust healthcare system that produces positive health outcomes for all residents.”

This latest Nursing Data and Analysis Report notes the need to focus on investment in retention. Highlighted are supporting the well-being of nurses and reframing from resilience of individuals to resilience as an organizational responsibility; investment in the transition to practice for new graduates; promotion of career opportunities; ensuring adequate staffing; creating new models of care delivery using virtual platforms; and ensuring healthy work environments.

Other specific strategies for rebuilding the state nursing workforce noted in the report include removal of APN restrictions (which would be addressed by pending bills S1522/A2286); re-evaluation of the team-based approach to care; utilization of technology and telehealth solutions; engaging currently retired nurses to return to the workforce; and reviewing regulatory and legislative policies related to healthcare that may be outdated.

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