Based on a study conducted by the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers (PCHC) Report (2005), there is a gap between the supply and demand of Licensed Practical Nurses.

Consider these findings:

• Over the next five years and into the foreseeable future, Pennsylvania is likely to face an ever-growing gap between the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and the supply of LPNs willing to work in health care.

• Unless there are fundamental shifts in current supply and demand trends, by 2010, the shortage of LPNs could be as high as 4,100, but will certainly be at least 2,800.

• Given the uneven distribution of the elderly population and long-term care facilities around the commonwealth, some areas will experience more of a shortage than others.

• Despite the complexities of factors that could affect the variables in the Supply/Demand model described in this report, the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers (PCHC) believes that the shortage will approach the high end estimate of 4,100.

• Pennsylvania's nursing shortage is not unique.  National studies reveal that almost every state is facing similar challenges.

What is driving the shortage?

• An inadequate supply of new entries to meet current and future demand is one factor driving the shortage.

• Pennsylvania has one of the oldest populations in the country, with the 85+ age cohort growing faster than any other.

• The stated intention of thousands of LPNs to leave the nursing profession, either because of retirement or other reasons.

• The ratio of LPNs age 35 years and older to LPNs under 35 is six to one.

• The magnitude of the shortage has the potential to worsen after 2010 because the demand for health services may significantly increase with the aging of the baby boom generation, as the leading edge of that age cohort turns 65 in 2011.

Practical Nursing Standard Occupational Classification
Click here for O-Net description of Practical Nursing Classification Code 29-2061.00