A new RTI workforce report commissioned by NCHA highlights a positive trend in staffing retention and reduced vacancies across most of North Carolina hospitals and health systems in 2023. Despite this improvement, rural, nursing, and residential care facilities continue to experience workforce challenges. The “Critical Workforce Needs Assessment ” found that more than 60% of hospitals and health systems reported improved employment conditions. From October 2022 to October 2023, total employment increased by 6%, while vacancies dropped by 17%, signaling a positive shift. Other key findings include:

• Many healthcare providers have boosted pay for frontline positions in response to rising costs and wage competition. However, they face wage competition from other healthcare systems and with employers in the broader private sector. 
• Many healthcare providers report lengthy hiring times for frontline healthcare positions, and employee absenteeism due to childcare and transportation issues.
• The report also underscores the pressing workforce needs in nursing and residential care facilities, where operational constraints hinder wage increases and benefit enhancements.  

With North Carolina’s population growing and aging, the need for more healthcare workers, especially nurses, is paramount. People over 65 were just 12% of the state’s population in 2000 but are expected to account for 20% of state residents by 2035.  

Read the press release, executive summary, and full report for more details. Also, listen to NCHA’s podcast, Conversations on the Sate of Healthcare, to hear Tatyana Kelly, NCHA Senior Vice President of Planning/Strategy & Member Services, discuss the RTI workforce report.