SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A new report shows a shortage of registered nurses in the Bay Area is just going to get worse over time as baby boomers age.
The Bay Area as a whole is expected to face a shortage of almost 14,000 registered nurses by 2020. But David Cherner, Managing Partner of research and advisory firm Health Workforce Solutions in San Francisco says the shortage won't be evenly spread.
"Certain areas will likely face even greater challenges than others; namely Marin, Napa and Sonoma, which have the highest dependency ratios, which essentially means that they have the lowest number of young workers who could potentially replace aging registered nurses," said Cherner.
He adds that there are a number of factors combining to create a situation where demand is outpacing supply.
"There really is the perfect storm brewing. With an aging population, an increased need for health services, and primarily not enough educational capacity or faculty members in the health profession schools," Cherner explained.
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KCBS' Melissa Culross reports
