A growing and aging population. Colorado is the third fastest growing state in the nation and predictions are for a gain of 1.5 million people by 2020.
Fewer workers. There are fewer younger people entering the workforce, which has already sparked a "war for talent." Just 9 percent of all registered nurses employed in the United States today are age 30 or under, a 41 percent drop in the past 15 years.
An aging workforce. The physical demands of nursing generally prevent individuals from working in the profession past their mid-50s. With the average age of nurses in Colorado being 47 years, many will retire soon. Today 17 percent of Colorado nurses do not expect to be practicing in five years.
A mismatch on diversity. The racial and ethnic makeup of the current nursing workforce does not reflect the increasing diversity of the state. Today more than 90 percent of Colorado nurses are Caucasian.
More options for women. Women have left nursing for other professions and not enough men have entered the profession to take their place. Today 95 percent of Colorado nurses are female, while 5 percent are male.
The generation gap. Generation X, the prime source of young workers, perceives nursing as unappealing.
Work environment. Fewer resources and greater demands have resulted in dissatisfaction and disillusionment among nurses and a profound lack of support of those entering the profession.
Consumer activism. Growing consumer empowerment, increasing awareness of medical errors, and the backlash against managed care have led health care consumers to insist on vigilant participation in their care.
Health care system challenges. Competition, pressures in health care financing, and a push for accountability do not bode well for a profession that lacks the authority to create systemic change within the highly complex health care delivery system.
