Florida’s West Coast Faces a Nursing Shortage: What’s Being Done to Fix It?

The nursing shortage in Southwest Florida has reached critical levels, impacting hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health providers. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the state will need nearly 114,000 registered nurses (RNs) between 2017 and 2025, with nearly 3,900 openings in Manatee and Sarasota counties alone.

Local healthcare employers, including Tidewell Hospice, report that open nursing positions remain unfilled for months, and some receive very few applications. Despite competitive salaries and recruitment efforts, the region simply does not have enough new nurses entering the workforce to meet demand.

As Florida’s population continues to grow—especially among retirees requiring increased medical care—the shortage is expected to worsen unless significant action is taken.

How the State Is Addressing the Crisis

One of the most promising solutions is Florida House Bill 381, which would allow technical colleges like Manatee Technical College (MTC) to offer associate degrees in nursing.

Currently, MTC only provides a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program, and students must transfer elsewhere to complete RN training. If passed, this bill would allow students to stay in the area, continue their education, and fill much-needed RN positions.

State College of Florida (SCF) already offers a bridge program for LPNs, but it only accepts 60 students per year, leaving many aspiring nurses without an option. Keiser University and Galen College of Nursing also offer RN programs, but tuition costs and limited spots can make them inaccessible for some students.

At the state level, Florida lawmakers have allocated $350 million to nursing education and workforce training through the PIPELINE program, increasing nursing school capacity and funding faculty positions.

Local Hospitals Taking Action

Healthcare providers across Florida’s west coast are also stepping up efforts to attract and retain nurses:

• Tidewell Hospice has launched social media recruitment campaigns, hired a nurse recruiter, and increased sign-on and referral bonuses.
• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center partners with local nursing schools, offering clinical training and a 12-week residency program to help new nurses transition into hospital settings.
• Sarasota Memorial Health Care System collaborates with high schools through the Venice High School Medical Academy, providing students with clinical experience and early exposure to nursing careers.
• BayCare Health System has implemented an “Earn as You Learn” program, covering tuition and books while students train to become nurses.

Nursing Shortage by the Numbers

According to a recent report from Vivian Health, 34 states are experiencing nursing shortages, and Florida is among those struggling to keep up with demand. Although Florida’s nurse vacancy rate has dropped from 58,000 to 16,000 open positions statewide, the need for nurses remains high.

• Lee Health has reduced its RN vacancy rate by 71%, but still faces a 4.5% vacancy rate with ongoing challenges in recruitment.
• NCH Healthcare System in Naples reports a 6% RN vacancy rate, down from 350 unfilled positions in 2022 to 78 in 2024.
• Sarasota Memorial Health Care System currently has 356 open nursing positions, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare workers.

The Florida Hospital Association predicts that Florida will still face a nursing shortage of 59,000 by 2035, even with recent improvements in recruitment and retention efforts. Read more.

Education: The Key to Solving the Shortage

One of the best ways to address the nursing crisis is by expanding access to nursing education.

While traditional RN programs at State College of Florida, Keiser University, and Galen College continue to train new nurses, online and hybrid programs offer flexibility for working professionals.

Several RN to BSN programs in Southwest Florida help registered nurses advance their careers and take on leadership roles:

Keiser University

• 12 months
• Ft. Myers, Naples (Online & Hybrid)

Rasmussen University

• 12–18 months
• Ft. Myers (Online with local clinicals)

FSW

• 12–18 months
• Punta Gorda, Naples, Ft. Myers (Online)

Hodges University

• 12 months
• Fort Myers (Online)

Braxton College

• 12 months
• Fort Myers (Online)

Online programs like Chamberlain University, Purdue Global, and Walden University provide even more flexibility for nurses looking to advance their education.

Find a full list of these options here: floridarntobsn.com

New Hospital Expansions Will Increase Demand

While the nursing shortage is being addressed, new hospitals and expansions will further increase the need for nurses. Several major projects are underway:

• Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is building a new hospital in North Port, expected to open with 100+ beds and the ability to expand further.
• BayCare Health System is opening a new hospital in Manatee County by 2025, bringing additional RN job openings.
• Lee Health has a new 216-bed hospital under construction in Fort Myers, expected to be completed by 2027.
• HCA Florida Healthcare is building a 100-bed hospital in Fort Myers, set to open by 2025.

These expansions will increase demand for registered nurses, making education and recruitment efforts even more urgent. More Information.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Nursing in Florida

Florida’s west coast is taking meaningful steps to combat the nursing shortage, but more work is needed. Expanding educational opportunities, increasing financial support for nursing students, and creating innovative workforce solutions will be critical to ensuring hospitals and clinics have the nurses they need.

For aspiring nurses, now is the perfect time to enter the profession. With high demand, competitive salaries, and multiple education options, a career in nursing offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a real impact in the community.

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