The Health Personnel Shortage in Washington State

1. The Health Personnel Shortage in Washington State • 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

2. Over half of Washington hospitals surveyed diverted patients from their ER to a nearby hospital’s ER during 2000 due to the nurse shortage. Urban Overall Rural Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

3. Contract (temporary) nursing expenses for Washington hospitals grew from an average of $120,000 per hospital in 1995 to $400,000 in 1999. Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis Percent of Total Operating Expenses Spent on Contract Nursing, 1995-1999 Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

4. 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. Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

5. Population Profile: Projected Percentage Change in Population Age 65+ Years of Age (1980-2000 and 2000-2020) 1980 - 2000 2000 - 2020 Population Trends Affecting the Shortage Washington's population is growingand 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. Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

6. 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. Population Trends Affecting the Shortage Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

7. 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 – Nurses Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

8. 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 – Radiology Technologists Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

9. 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 – Pharmacists Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

10. 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. Supply and Demand – Aides Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

11. Public Policy Solutions Hospital and Health Care Based Solutions Community Based Solutions HOSPITALS SCHOOLS BUSINESS LOCAL GOVERNMENT Solving the Personnel Crisis COMMUNITY LEADERS Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program Steps Can Be Taken to Solve the Crisis

12. 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 Public Policy Actions Required Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

13. Make workforce a priority in strategic planning Improve education and training Recruit diverse populations and young people Redesign the work place Steps Hospitals and Health Systems Can Take Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

14. Increase the versatility of personnel and create career opportunities for current workers Design flexible, comprehensive compensation packages Harness the power of technology More Steps Hospitals and Health Systems Can Take Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program

15. 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 Community Level Involvement Washington State Hospital Association Health Information Program