PITMAN, N.J. -- Despite a temporary lull in the country's nursing shortage, data point to a gathering storm that will be "like a Category Three hurricane, but one that hits the entire nation," according to Peter Buerhuas, PhD, RN, FAAN, a leading work force analyst.

Buerhaus, a Vanderbilt University professor, and his colleagues released the latest data from three studies on the nursing industry during a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. They predicted dire numbers for the shortage; however, the research was more positive regarding the high public regard of the nursing profession. Also, researchers went to the source -- nurses themselves -- and asked for their opinions on the upcoming presidential election, their views on U.S. health care policy and how they feel about their own profession.

The current nursing shortage began in 1998, Buerhaus said, and according to his latest data, could spike to 500,000 by 2025. Colliding forces, including an aging nursing work force and a surge in demand for health care as 78 million baby boomers reach age 65, do not bode well for the future.

"A shortage that size could incapacitate the health care system," Buerhaus said. "Low nurse staffing affects the quality of care and there is a clear impact on patients."

At the press conference, Buerhaus and Karen Donelan, ScD, senior scientist at the Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, outlined the major points of their article, "Public Perceptions of Nursing Careers: The Influence of the Media and Nursing Shortages," to be published in the May/June issue of Nursing Economic$ journal. Beth Ulrich, EdD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, senior vice president of Professional & Consulting Services for Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek, announced results of the latest national survey of registered nurses which included RNs' views of health policy issues and solutions and the upcoming elections.