Hospital systems across North Carolina are experiencing nursing shortages. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville reports "shortages across the board" in its nursing department.

The practical nursing program at Robeson County Community College reports numerous graduates have received offers from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where the hospital system says, “We are aggressively working to hire for full-time, part-time, and per diem nurses.” Cathy Madigan, chief nursing executive with UNC Health, says this has been expected.

“We have been predicting the nursing shortage,” she said. “Our need is going up, but most schools of nursing are not increasing opportunities yet because it costs money.”

One reason that there are fewer nurses in the workforce right now is pandemic fatigue. Crystal Tillman, CEO of the North Carolina Board of Nursing, has said that working under the strain has led to some newer nurses leaving the profession altogether. UNC Health has more than 800 vacant nursing positions across the state.

For those considering entering the nursing career field, local training programs are available through Fayetteville Technical Community College, Methodist University and Fayetteville State University. Visit their websites for more information.