News: New report predicts uneven healthcare labor market across U.S. by 2028

A new report from the Mercer Financial Services company predicts that by 2028, there will be a surplus of approximately 30,000 registered nurses across the United States, according to HealthLeaders.

The report examined healthcare labor market projections into 2028. In particular, Mercer was principally concerned with answering the following four questions:

1. Where will the greatest gaps between supply and demand be located?
2. Which healthcare occupations will see the greatest changes in supply and demand and thus surpluses/shortages by 2028?
3. How will these gaps differ by occupation across geographies?
4. How do current trends in compensation by occupation and geography inform future talent strategies?

Here are some of the highlights from Mercer’s report:

• Mercer predicts nationwide shortages for “critical healthcare labor,” with the total deficit reaching 100,000 workers by 2028.
• Only 13 states are expected to meet or exceed future demands for nursing assistants.
• Occupation gaps “differ wifely on a state-by-state basis” (e.g., the predicted national surplus of 30,000 RNs differs by state).

Editor’s note: To read the Mercer report, click here. To read HealthLeaders’ coverage, click here.