Press Releases

AMA statement on U.S. nursing shortage

| 1 Min Read

Given the nursing shortage currently impacting patient care across the U.S., the AMA believes thoughtful, deliberate attention is needed to ensure there are enough nurses available to provide the expert care our patients need. Many experienced nurses have left the field during the pandemic due to burnout, many more are expected to retire in the next few years, and some are leaving their long-standing employers for agency positions. We are hearing reports that the nursing shortage has led to significant delays in patients getting hospital beds for elective procedures and chemotherapy, a bottleneck of patients in emergency departments and urgent care facilities, and substantial costs challenges for hospitals. The AMA stands ready to help hospitals, health systems and our fellow health care professionals find a solution to the growing nursing shortage so we can provide timely, quality care to our patients. 

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About the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care.  The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.

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