North Carolina’s Nursing Workforce: From Shortage to Shared Stewardship

North Carolina’s nursing workforce challenge is a statewide access issue. Forecasts show persistent registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) shortages, uneven regional impacts, and pressure on schools, public health, long-term care, and hospitals. This issue brief frames workforce renewal through data, education pathways, retention, public health, school nursing, and community-based care models.