Solving the nursing shortage: How Methodist Hospital is taking action

The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly felt by nurses. A report by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing claimed over 610,000 nurses are hoping to leave the field within the next two years.

Here in Nebraska, Vivian Health reported that approximately 27,760 registered nurses were employed in the state of Nebraska in 2020 compared to 19,870 in 2022. The Nebraska Center for Nursing projects Nebraska will experience a workforce shortage of 5,436 nurses in 2025, with nearly 1,000 nurses between the ages of 24 and 55 “very likely” to leave their employment over the next 12 months. Coupled with the turnover rate, which can be anywhere from 8.8% to 37%, the statistics sound grim.

Health systems around the metro are working to help retain nurses, and Methodist is one that has found several methods to alleviate the issue. As Methodist Health System Vice President of Human Resources Paula Pittman explained, “We have rededicated our retention efforts and adopted a dynamic and multifaceted approach to both immediate and long term workforce needs.”

Omaha Magazine: Solving the Nursing Shortage: How Methodist Hospital Is Taking Action