Registered nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, which is why shortage predictions from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)* point to a potential crisis. The BLS is projecting a huge deficit in qualified R.N.s to fill nursing jobs between now and 2025. The reasons for this are attributed, not just to the surge in Baby Boomers seeking medical care, but in the imminent retirement of the nurses treating them.

Over the next 20 years, the average age of the R.N. will increase and the size of the nursing workforce plateau, as many nurses retire. The hope for filling these vacant positions is that nurses coming into them have strong clinical backgrounds, in graduate and baccalaureate programs in accredited nursing schools. As it stands now, many American colleges are struggling to expand enrollment in nursing programs, and are getting help in collaborative efforts made by company partnerships, grants, and legislative initiatives focused on hiring more qualified nursing staff—enough to meet the needs of the current population. 30 million plus Americans have been added to insurance roles as healthcare reform takes effect. BLS’ Employment Projections (2010-2020) released in February [+]

From Coast to Coast - Top Nursing Job Locations For many years now, states with the greatest job shortages have been offering the highest nursing salaries in the country. Because of dense Baby Boomer populations, and these states’ appeal to retirees, nurses will always be welcomed with open arms in certain places. So get ready to bookmark where these states are and what they have to offer! If you’re a travel nurse, poised to take your career anywhere, the following U.S. states offer the highest paying R.N. jobs in the country! Here’s what hourly mean wages were in 2012 and what you can expect in 2013. Below that, is a quarterly breakdown of where in the U.S. to find the best nursing jobs. California nursing jobs offer $42.06/ an hour and higher, plus benefits that let you make the most of the Golden State. Florida nursing jobs not only average $30.29 per hour, but some hospitals there are offering huge sign-on bonuses for R.N.’s with specializations. New York nursing jobs put R.N.s in the high earning Tri-State are, averaging $35.58 per hour or more. Texas nursing jobs have a lower cost of living than [+]

Nurses will love these top 10 states and the travel nursing jobs waiting there! For RNs who love to travel, it’s a happy coincidence that the top 10 travel nurse job locations of the season just happen to be in America’s most loved spring break destinations. American Traveler offers high paying travel nurse careers in the top 10 states for R.N. jobs. Please read our preview of springtime highlights and apply while opportunities last. California: The Golden state is packed with California nursing jobs, from San Francisco to L.A. Be sure your Easter plans include a garden tour, April poppy festival or farmers market in the fresh spring air! Ohio: There’s nothing prettier and greener than Ohio nursing jobs in the springtime. Take advantage of it, by visiting the plethora of outdoor spring events offered statewide, from Earth Day events in Cleveland to the herb fairs and butterfly shows in other parts of the state. Texas: Texas travel nursing is a sunny and musical affair, offering well known annual concerts that draw in music lovers from around the country. Mark your calendars, April 20th for the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in [+]