How Atrium Health, Novant are teaming up to avert shortage in nursing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina’s health-care industry is facing a critical shortage of nurses — a shortage that’s projected to become increasingly worse.

By 2025, the state is expected to rank in the top five in the nation for the greatest gap in nurses versus anticipated need, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A 2014 study anticipates North Carolina will have 12,900 fewer registered nurses than will be needed in seven years and up to 8,000 fewer licensed practical nurses.

The gap, fueled by North Carolina’s soaring population growth and an expected surge in retirements among baby boomer-aged nurses, has broad implications for Charlotte’s two big health-care systems — if not addressed, it could ultimately drive up wages, limit expansion and, potentially, curtail options for care.

Read the full story here.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• CMPD conduct homicide investigation outside popular south Charlotte lounge
• Police: Investigation underway after woman stabbed to death in west Charlotte
• Woman terrified after she was followed, attacked in Charlotte neighborhood
• WATCH: Jaclyn Shearer's Saturday forecast outlook 
• Guardsman's home ransacked while assisting hurricane victims

Cox Media Group