Hospitals across the state are grappling with a persistent shortage of nurses, straining health care systems and patient care.
And Pennsylvania’s workforce shortage is among the most severe in the nation, with the state potentially looking at a dearth of 20,000 nurses by next year.
In response, as part of his 2025-2026 state budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $5 million program aimed at reversing such dismal projections. The initiative would provide funding to hospitals that partner with nursing schools, reimbursing tuition costs for students who commit to a three-year work placement at Pennsylvania hospitals after graduation.