Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Leads Letter on Florida’s Nursing Workforce Shortage
WASHINGTON. D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20) led a letter with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24) to the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Center for Nursing regarding the challenges faced by the state’s nursing workforce and low national council licensure examination (NCLEX) passage rates.
“As a former healthcare executive, I’ve seen firsthand how nurses can transform the health of communities,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “No different than other states, Florida’s nursing industry is confronting a dire workforce shortage, which has a ripple effect on patients’ quality of care. It is imperative that we fully understand these challenges and what solutions are necessary to reduce the industry’s shortfall.”
“COVID-19 has brought Florida's nursing shortage to the forefront, emphasizing the crucial role nurses play in our residents' health. South Florida's institutions like Jackson Memorial Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and multiple Miami-Dade County and Broward County Public Schools depend on nurses," said Congresswoman Wilson. “Ensuring ample staffing in hospitals, schools, and all other centers in need of nurses is vital for top-notch care and education. I'm proud to join Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in supporting and encouraging more people to pursue nursing careers. Together, we can strengthen our healthcare system and provide better care for all.”
Several steps must be taken before a nurse can earn a license to practice, including passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), to qualify as a registered nurse. In 2022, the national NCLEX passage rate was 79.9 percent, whereas, in the state of Florida, the passage rate was 63.88 percent — the lowest in the country.
A 2021 report projected that the state of Florida alone will face a shortfall of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035. By 2027, nearly one-fifth of all registered nurses intend to leave the workforce, threatening the national health care system at large.
The text of the letter can be found here.