Report forecasts pressing demand for Vermont nurses within the next two years
NBC5
The Vermont Business Roundtable’s Research and Education Foundation has released a report, forecasting a critical demand for skilled nursing professionals within the next two years.
According to the Vermont Department of Labor, the healthcare industry accounts for nearly 12% of Vermont’s workforce, employing more than 37,000 people as of the third quarter 2023. However, the sector has seen a decline of 1,700 jobs compared to the same period in 2019. The report shows the shortage is worst in residential care, where employment numbers have dropped by 11% since 2019.
In comparison, the report shows both ambulatory and hospital employment numbers have dropped 3% for the same period.
The VBR Foundation is calling for investments in nursing education for high-demand careers.