Wisconsin healthcare vacancies persist as baby boomers retire

WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES — Healthcare vacancy rates in Wisconsin are unchanged as baby boomers hang their scrubs and stethoscopes for good.

According to the latest Health Care Workforce Report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association, staffing vacancy rates at the state’s hospitals remain at 10% as baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1954 — are retiring. The report noted that by 2030, all baby boomers will be of retirement age.

Vacancy rates remain elevated amid recruitment efforts by Wisconsin, one of America’s 15 oldest states, with a median age of 40+ in 2022. 

Nearly 20% of Wisconsin’s population is 65 and older, whereas in younger states, the percentage is around 12 to 15.

The highest vacancies were among licensed practical nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Other staffing vacancies include licensed practical nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, surgical technologists, radiologic technologists, registered nurses, and certified medical assistants.

“When those gaps can’t be filled, that means that maybe a service can’t be offered any longer,” said Ann Zenk, senior vice president of workforce and clinical practice for the Wisconsin Hospital Association, per the Wisconsin Public Radio.

“When there’s a staffing shortage, patients and their families might have to wait longer in the emergency department or for a physician appointment, or they might have to travel further to get that care.”

Zenk believes that this shortage will last “for a couple more decades,” negatively impacting patient care. The World Health Organization projects a worldwide shortage of nine million nurses and midwives worldwide by 2030. 

Meanwhile, several hospital systems have added virtual nurses to their workforce to fill in workforce gaps.

In this care model, patients receive treatment from a direct care registered nurse, an on-site nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse, and a registered nurse who provides virtual support.