The Health Personnel Shortage in Washington State Washington State Hospital AssociationHealth Information Program Washington hospitals are 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

Washington State Hospital AssociationHealth 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. OverallUrbanRural

Washington State Hospital AssociationHealth 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 Percent of Total Operating Expenses Spent on Contract Nursing,

Indicators of a Personnel Shortage Crisis Washington State Hospital AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth Information Program Population Trends Affecting the Shortage Population Profile: Projected Percentage Change in Population Age 65+ Years of Age ( and ) 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 The elderly require significantly more care.

Population Trends Affecting the Shortage Washington State Hospital AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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 AssociationHealth 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