The number of nurses in California is 25 percent lower than the national average, according to a study cited in a press release.
The study administered by the California Institute for Nursing and Health Care determined that the Golden State has 644 nurses per 100,000 persons whereas the U.S. national average indicates there are 859 nurses per 100,000 people. The institute bestowed California an overall "C" rating; an "A" rating would be if the ratio were 1,257 nurses per 100,000 people.
"This study supports the need to maintain capacity in nursing schools as a high priority since California lags behind most states in RN utilization," said executive director Deloras Jones with the institute. "The report card is invaluable for regional planning efforts."
The study indicated an increase in the ratio of nursing jobs in California from 2004 to 2010 by 22. But that did not have any impact on the national ranking because nurses strengthened the workforce throughout the nation.
The study also closely looked at 23 regions of California and at least 50 percent were marked with grades of "D" or "F" as compared with the national average.