CNOs need to keep tabs on the current state of nursing education so they can adjust accordingly.
In the U.S., industry leaders and experts often discuss the nursing shortage and its impact on the healthcare industry. Shortages can leave the entire workforce feeling burned out, resentful, and angry, and the impact on patient care is even greater.
As CNOs work to recruit and retain nurses, both locally and internationally, it's important to understand that the nursing industry in the U.S. is only one piece of the puzzle. Globally, the situation is incredibly complex and the challenges go beyond just workforce shortages.
Nursing education is just as important for CNOs to keep an eye on, and according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) State of the world’s nursing 2025 report, the education situation is a mixed bag.
Here's what CNOs need to know.
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G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Low-income countries had the recommended ratio of new graduate nurses to the current stock of nurses, which is higher than what high-income countries had in 2023.
The report states that around the world, the average duration of a nursing education program is three years.
Barriers to nurse education growth include clinical skills sites limitations, faculty availability, and digital learning environment demands.