Education policy initiatives to address the nurse shortage in the United States.

Employment opportunities are expected to grow much faster for registered nurses (RNs) than for most other occupations. Yet a major shortage of nurses is projected by 2020. A nurse faculty shortage and financially strapped colleges and universities are limiting the ability of U.S. nursing schools to take advantage of historically high numbers of qualified applicants. Increased public subsidies are needed to provide greater access to nursing education, with a priority on baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, where job growth is expected to be the greatest.