Story originally published by WECT

Emma Dollenmayer, Nov. 18. 2024

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – New data shows a significant shortage of healthcare workers across North Carolina. The position that seems to be hurting the most is nursing with a large number of open jobs.

Beyond looking at the numbers, experts are trying to figure out ways to address it. The data comes from the North Carolina Health Talent Alliance, which is a branch of the state Chamber of Commerce. Of the 1,000 healthcare providers they studied, nearly 200 are from Southeastern North Carolina.

Statewide, about 1 in 4 LPN positions, 1 in 6 RN and CNA positions, and 1 in 7 MA positions are open.

The open position rates were higher than state rates for RNs (28%), but lower for LPNs (20%), CNAs (12%), and MAs (13%).

“That has a significant impact potentially on the actual care we are able to provide in North Carolina,” said Andy MacCracken, the director of the North Carolina Center of the Workforce for Health, a group dedicated to growing the healthcare workforce.

“They’re alarming in the sense, that they should inspire all of us to figure out what our way to contribute to the solutions is,” said MacCracken.