'It’s a big deal': Nursing shortage affects increasing demand in North Idaho

Growing population, not enough instructors, retirements affect nursing numbers

The 2024 nursing workforce report is out and in Idaho, even with gains in the number of graduates statewide, there just doesn’t seem to be enough nurses to keep pace with the need, according to the Idaho Nursing Center. Cyndy Donato of Kootenai Health said, “Idaho's nursing landscape faces challenges due to a growing population and increasing retirements.”