Nursing shortage refers to any situation where there is more demand for professionals such as Registered Nurses to exceed supply. Shortage of nurses is a real challenge in health care at local, national or global level. Many of us see many nurses around healthcare facilities we visit and assume that the number is enough. In fact, we see as if they are too many. Nevertheless, shortage of nurses is real, and it is the medical practitioners who understand the problem better. Even the most developed countries like the United States still experiences the problem.

The nursing shortage is not a new phenomenon. It has existed since the times of Second World War. It is, however, a problem that healthcare system could live with even in the 1980s when the problem was severe. It is only in recent years that it has begun to make a significant impact.

These reasons stand out for causing shortage of nurses

Nowadays, many doctors rarely see patients for a routine physical examination. A patient is more likely to get an appointment with a Physician Assistant (PA) or an NP (Nurse Practitioner) working in practice. These professionals are at a level of healthcare and medical professionals created within the last two decades to keep up with increasing needs for special health care.

These positions are the cause of repeated debate on whether there is a difference in the two.

Both professional are or similar in some way but there is a subtle difference, It is essential first to understand the definition of each profession.

There are various pathways of education for people wishing to become registered nurses in the US. No matter the route they take, all culminate into taking a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam.

It is a standard examination that boards of nursing in every US state set to determine if a candidate is well-prepared for an entry-level nursing practice. The first step for applicants to get licensure is to complete their accredited nursing degree before applying to sit for an NCLEX-RN exam.

Professionals working in various countries dream of working in the United States as it has fair labor practices, better remuneration, and work conditions. Due to the shortage of nurses in the vast country, there are many opening for new nurses and immigrants. It is possible to migrate from any country and start working as a nurse in the US, but you must get a visa permitting you to work in the country and a license to practice. Work conditions and salaries vary from one state to another.