By Jonathan Eberle |
A new study analyzing nurse-to-population ratios across the United States has revealed that Arizona is facing one of the country’s most severe nursing shortages, ranking 10th overall.
According to data compiled by Injured In Florida, a Florida-based personal injury law firm, Arizona has just 1,686 nurses per 100,000 residents—well below the national average of 2,057. The research examined the total number of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in each state using figures from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and compared them to U.S. Census population estimates.
Arizona is home to 127,834 nurses in total, consisting of 116,708 registered nurses and 11,126 nurse practitioners. Despite a growing population and a robust healthcare system, the state’s ratio of nurses per capita places it firmly in the top ten states with the worst shortages.
Arizona joins several of its western and southern peers in the top ten, a trend the study’s authors say highlights regional disparities in healthcare staffing. Utah ranked as the state with the most severe shortage, with only 1,340 nurses per 100,000 people. Washington (1,462), Georgia (1,533), and Wyoming (1,543) followed closely behind.
“The top ten ranking is evenly split between states in the West and states in the South, suggesting a pattern of nurse shortages in these areas,” a spokesperson from Injured In Florida said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the states with the most nurses are primarily located in the Northeast and Midwest, highlighting a clear difference in availability between regions.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hawaii boasts the most robust nursing workforce, with 2,967 nurses per 100,000 residents. New York and Alaska follow closely, at 2,918 and 2,801 respectively.
The nurse shortage in Arizona raises concerns for patients and healthcare providers alike. Experts warn that lower nurse-to-patient ratios can result in longer wait times, increased stress and burnout among current staff, and potential declines in patient care quality.
However, the data could present an opportunity for job seekers in the healthcare field. “States with the worst nurse shortages will likely have plenty of job opportunities for nurses or aspiring nurses,” the spokesperson added. “If you are a nurse looking to relocate for work, these states might be a good starting point.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
