The Health Personnel Shortage in Washington State

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Washington hospitalsare experiencing critical shortages of qualified, competent health care workers. • Washington’s situation reflects a

national phenomenon, but is unique in several ways.• For more information, contact

Taya Briley (tayab@awphd.org).

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis

Over half of Washington hospitals surveyed diverted patients from their ER to a nearby hospital’s ER during 2000 due to the nurse shortage.

49%

55%

63%

0% 25% 50% 75%

Went onDivert Due to

NurseShortage

Overall Urban Rural

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis

Contract (temporary) nursing expenses for Washington hospitals grew from an average of $120,000 per hospital in 1995 to $400,000 in 1999.

0.7%

0.5%0.5%

0.3%

0.2%

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

0.4%

0.5%

0.6%

0.7%

0.8%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Percent of Total Operating Expenses Spent on

Contract Nursing, 1995-1999

Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• The shortage of hospital workers is forcing Washington hospitals to recruit heavily from outside the state. • Seventy percent of hospitals surveyed reported

they are recruiting from other states.

• Twenty-five percent reported they are recruiting from other countries.

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

Population Trends Affecting the Shortage

53%

93%

36%

59%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Washington U.S. Washington U.S.

1980 - 2000 2000 - 2020

Population Profile: Projected Percentage Change

in Population Age 65+ Years of Age (1980-2000 and 2000-2020)

Washington's population is growing and aging. The number over age 65 grew 59 percent from 1980 to 2000, and the number over age 80 will double by 2030. The elderly require significantly more care.

Population Trends Affecting the Shortage

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Health care workers are aging too.• In 1996, 69 percent of the registered nursing

workforce in the Pacific Census Division was over age 40. In 1999, 59 percent of registered nurses were age 45 and older.

• The average age of a Washington state laboratory worker is 49.

Supply and Demand – Nurses

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• In 2001, Washington hospitals reported 1,402 staff nurse FTE vacancies.

• Vacancy numbers will increase as large numbers of nurses begin to retire in the next decade.

• Washington nursing schools are producing about 1,200 new nurses per year, not nearly enough to fill the current hospital vacancies and those created by retiring nurses.

Supply and Demand – Radiology Technologists

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• In 1998, Washington ranked 37th lowest of 50 states for number of radiology technologists per 100,000 population.• Between 1992 and 1997, the percentage of

radiology technologists per 100,000 population in Washington decreased by six percent.• Ninety-five percent of Washington

hospitals surveyed reported it was “somewhat or very difficult” to recruit radiology technologists.

Supply and Demand – Pharmacists

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• In 1998, there were about 3,800 pharmacists in Washington and about 3,900 pharmacy vacancies.

• Ninety-six percent of Washington hospitals responding to a survey reported it was “somewhat or very difficult” to recruit pharmacists.

• Employment opportunities for pharmacists are expected to grow 23 percent by 2008.

Supply and Demand – Aides

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• In 1998, Washington’s number of nursing aides per 100,000 population ranked 42nd lowest among the 50 states.

• Nearly 62 percent of Washington hospitals responding to a survey reported it was “somewhat or very difficult” to recruit aides.

Steps Can Be Taken to Solve the Crisis

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Public Policy Solutions

• Hospital and Health Care Based Solutions

• Community Based Solutions

HOSPITALS

SCHOOLS

BUSINESS

LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

COMMUNITY

LEADERS

Solving the Personnel Crisis

Public Policy Actions Required

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Create a state health care workforce commission• Collect and analyze state

health workforce data• Reduce regulatory burden• Improve payments to

hospitals and physicians• Support health personnel

education• Help communities address the problem• Diversify the health care workforce

Steps Hospitals and Health Systems Can Take

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Make workforce a priority in strategic planning

• Improve education and training

• Recruit diverse populations and young people

• Redesign the work place

More Steps Hospitals and Health Systems Can Take

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Increase the versatility of personnel and create career opportunities for current workers

• Design flexible, comprehensive compensation packages

• Harness the power of technology

Community Level Involvement

Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

• Involve business, industry, and education• Collaborate to support scholarships for

local students• Involve local government in solving the

problem• Initiate dialogue with local and

state officials on broader issues• Balance community expecta-

tions with reasonably priced health care