Nurses: Essential to Maintaining the Health of the Nation

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.

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.