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Dianne Anderson, RN, president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee's Aging subcommittee about the nursing shortage and the prospects for the future.

Most regions of the country are experiencing a major nursing shortage, particularly a shortage of experienced RNs, said Anderson. But, with a graying population and fewer young people entering the nursing profession, the shortage will become increasingly critical.

"The complexity and enormity of the nursing shortage requires a collaborative and inclusive call to action by all sectors impacted by the health care delivery system," said Anderson, who is also vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, N.Y. "It is only through an ongoing investment in producing and retaining a well-educated, diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce that we can assure the highest quality care patient and a safe and stimulating environment for the dedicated nurses who provide that care."

AONE has undertaken several initiatives to provide policymakers and nurse leaders tools to quantify the nursing workforce and implement solutions to alleviate the impact of nursing shortages. Most recently, AONE published a monograph about the workforce shortage. A summary is available on its website at www.aone.org.

SOURCE: American Organization of Nurse Executives