Survey Reveals Florida Needs More Nurses

ORLANDO (CBSMiami) – If you're one of the thousands of people in Florida who needs a job, the nursing field might be a good place to start looking.

A survey conducted by the Florida Center for Nursing revealed that Florida is in dire need of nurses and will face a shortage of more than 15,000 registered nurses in 2012.

A report released by the F.C.N. stated that because of the combination of the economy recovery, the glut of Baby Boomers entering their golden years, and health care reform; the need for nurses has grown but the supply has decreased.

By 2025, the shortage is expected to grow even more at 50,000.

The study took into account the number of nurses, job openings, and new nursing positions. It then took that data and calculated statewide nurse employment information where the number of vacancies and demand for nurses was estimated.

In spite of the nursing vacancy, the center estimated that the number of new nursing positions in Florida is expected to grow in 2012 among R.N.s, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.