The annual KHA Workforce Survey Report, which provides an in-depth review of the non-physician hospital workforce in Kentucky based on members’ 2024 data, is now available. Acute care and specialty hospitals from all Area Development Districts participated in the survey.
While recruiting and retention must remain a focus, the positive note is that members are making progress with vacancy rates declining for all health professionals (note the survey does not include physicians). Kentucky hospitals reported a statewide hospital workforce vacancy rate of 8.9 percent, compared to 12.0 percent for the year before, a decrease of almost 2,400 reported vacancies from 2023.
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants are the largest professions of direct care providers. Hospitals reported lower vacancy rates for registered nurses at 11.5 percent with 2,821 vacancies compared to 16.5 percent the year before (licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants have 11.5 percent and 10.5 percent vacancy rates respectively).
However, among the registered nurses, significant shortages remain for medical-surgical (17.3 percent), psychiatric (15.6 percent), and critical care (11.1 percent).
Allied health positions also remain an issue for Kentucky’s hospitals. Members report 352 vacancies for imaging technicians (10.4 percent), 185 for laboratory scientists (7.1 percent), 155 for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (5.8 percent), and 145 for respiratory therapists (9.4 percent).
As a further note of interest, a newer workforce is emerging as seasoned staff retire. For example, registered nurses under the age of 30 account for over one-quarter of their hospital profession (26.3 percent). Their influence is reshaping health care and is crucial for the future of nursing. Additionally, the significant and quick age demographic change may cause members to reevaluate mentoring, retention, and benefit programs.
If you have any questions, please contact Maik Schutze at KHA (mschutze@kyha.com).
