One of the top concerns in healthcare today is insufficient nurse staffing. The nursing shortage is predicted to increase over the next several years. “The need for nurses is expected to grow to 26% by the year 2020” (Johnson & Johnson, 2013). This number is faster than the average occupation. “The aging baby boomer population will place a demand on healthcare for more health services as people live longer” Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012-2013). The national shortage of nurses has also contributed to the increased turnover rates for nurses. “Accurately predicting staffing needs is a crucial management skill because it enables the manager to avoid staffing crises” (Marquis& Huston, p.325). “It is expected that by the year 2020 the United States will face a shortage of 800,000 nurses.
