AARP Hearing Center
In response to the nursing shortage in America, AARP and The DAISY Foundation recently launched a program encouraging patients and family caregivers to nominate nurses and recognize their invaluable contributions to our well-being.
![Nurse consulting with mother and daughter Nurse consulting with mother and daughter](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/pri/topics/health/health-care-workforce/nursing-shortage/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par1/articlecontentfragmeImage1/cfimage.coreimg.75.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/research/topics/health/health-care-workforce/nurse-consulting-mother-daughter.jpg)
This survey highlights how U.S. adults recognize the value of nurses and the need to address the nursing shortage — for the benefit of the nation.
Almost all (98%) adults ages 18-plus say nurses are vital to the health and well-being of the nation, and the vast majority (84%) recognize that the nation’s nursing shortage is critical — with 47% saying it is very critical and 37% saying it is somewhat critical.
This shortage raises concerns that the nursing shortage could have a negative impact on everyone’s health.
- 88% of adults say they are concerned that the nursing shortage will negatively affect everyone’s health during health care emergencies.
- 79% say they are concerned that the nursing shortage will negatively affect everyone’s health during nonurgent health care visits.
As a result, adults believe more should be done to retain nurses (95%) and to recognize the value of nurses (96%).
Methodology
This survey, Attitudes on the Nation’s Nurse Shortage, was included in the 2024 SSRS March Omni, which was conducted online (with a phone option) in English and Spanish, March 15–17, 2024. The total sample was 1,033 adults ages 18-plus.
For more information on the survey, contact Cheryl L. Lampkin at clampkin@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.