The Texas Nurses Association says Texas is short 44,000 nurses, a number projected to grow to 57,000 by 2036 if nothing changes. Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a task force to address the healthcare workforce shortage so it can meet the demands of the swiftly growing state.
It's an industry in desperate need of help. CEO of the Texas Nurses Association Serena Bumpus says the state is short 44,000 nurses. "We are one of the fastest growing states in the country. And that has a lot to do with the need for nurses," Bumpus said. "Our hospitals are at capacity often times and or we're seeing new hospitals being built across the state, and even right here in Central Texas."
"I think the schools feel it because we're wanting to put out as many nurses as we can, and there's a balance with that. Right?" Dr. Shammas said. "Because we want to maintain quality."