Retaining an Aging Workforce by Giving Voice to Older and Experienced Nurses

Although the nursing shortage is temporarily resolved in many locations, nurse leaders soon will confront great challenges with a shortage of professional nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2010, more than 51% of the workforce is expected to be age 40 years or older. By 2016, the average age of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to be 44.9. Nurses in their 50s will be the largest segment of the nursing population.1 Every 4 years since 1980, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducts the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. Findings from the 2004 survey indicated that the average age of registered nurses was 46.8 years, and 41% of RNs were 50 or older.2 As can be seen from these numbers, the nursing workforce is aging and nearing retirement at an alarming rate.