Texas BON issues report regarding the increasing age of Texas nurses
In the Texas Board’s strategic plan, the Board reports the following: “The median age for all Texas licensed RNs is 47 years of age. The median age for Texas female RNs is 47 years of age and 42 for male RNs. The median age for all LVNs is 45 years of age. The median age for Texas female LVNs is 45 years of age and 42 for male LVNs. The largest population group for female RNs is ages 45 to 54 (50,592 – FY 09). The largest population group for LVNs is ages 35-44 (18,692 – FY 09). The largest population group for male nurses is ages 35 to 44 (7,024 – RN, 2,670 – LVN). All age groups of RNs increased in size from 2000 to 2009 (See Appendix I).
Nurses ages 55 to 64 increased 142% and RNs over age 65 increased 158% in number from FY 2000 until FY 2009. The number of RNs ages 25 to 34 only increased 26%. The smallest increase from 2000 to 2009 among RNs was nurses under age 25. Among LVNs, two age groups decreased in number from FY 2004 to FY 2009. The number of LVNs under age 25 decreased 7% and LVNs ages 45 to 54 decreased 2%. LVNs ages 25 to 34 increased 13%, LVNs ages 35 to 44 increased 18%, LVNs ages 55 to 64 increased 25% and LVNs over 65 increased 32% from FY 2004 to FY 2009. Industry analysts express concerns that this shift in age will cause a decrease in the supply of nurses as licensees reach retirement age.”
This is very concerning because unless there is a shift towards getting more new, younger nurses there will a huge shortage as the general population becomes older. This is also in relation to the decreased size of the younger generation and that it is projected there will not be enough to support the older generation with Social Security. But the effect on one’s health care in older years is just as worrisome.