Global Nursing Workforce Shortage and the Importance of Retention

The global healthcare system is facing a growing shortage of nurses, a challenge that continues to affect the delivery of quality healthcare services worldwide. According to projections by the World Health Organization, the world could experience a deficit of approximately 5.7 million nurses by 2030. This shortage reflects increasing healthcare demands, population growth, and the rising burden of chronic diseases, all of which place additional pressure on the nursing workforce.

The situation has been further intensified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly strained healthcare systems and frontline healthcare workers. In response to these pressures, the International Council of Nurses has warned that the global nursing shortage could potentially rise to 13 million nurses if current challenges such as burnout, workforce migration, and early retirement continue. These factors have contributed to increased stress levels among nurses and have accelerated workforce attrition in many healthcare settings. As the shortage continues to grow, healthcare organizations must adopt proactive strategies to retain the nurses currently employed within their systems. Retention efforts may include improving working conditions, addressing workload challenges, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and providing opportunities for professional development. Strengthening these measures is essential for maintaining a stable nursing workforce and ensuring that healthcare systems remain capable of delivering safe and effective patient care in the future.

Important Update for Canadian Medical Graduates

Effective February 5, 2025, Canadian medical schools will no longer hold accreditation recognized by the LCME, following a joint decision with the CACMS. Starting July 1, 2025, all graduates of Canadian medical schools will be treated as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) under the U.S. licensing system. We are still Unclear Whether this change will apply retroactively to past graduates. How Canadian internships, residencies, or fellowships will be evaluated in the U.S. system.

Takeaway: If you are a current or future Canadian medical graduate planning U.S. licensure, keep an eye on updates from the LCME and your state medical boards.

Florida Medical License Alert – 2025 Edition

Heads up, Docs!

Effective January 1, 2025: Physicians with malpractice claims, hospital actions, or state board actions reported to the NPDB/HIPDB face new restrictions when applying for a Florida license. Some may only apply via the IMLC Compact. Others with certain board actions or criminal convictions may be ineligible. If you already have a Florida application on file before 1/1/25, contact the Florida Medical Board to withdraw your application to avoid denial or reporting.

Recent Update  July 1, 2025 (MOBILE Law):

Florida boards can now consider past adverse events individually. Physicians previously blocked by the “automatic bar” may now seek MOBILE endorsement review — approval is discretionary.

New licensing and registration fees take effect October 1

The state budget adopted in early July authorizes the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) to increase license application and renewal fees for physicians, PAs and other licensees, effective October 1.

The new physician license application fee will be $550 (currently $400) and the new license renewal fees will be $350 (currently $250). The new license application fee for PAs will be $325 (currently $250) and the new PA renewal fee will be $200 (currently $140)

Physician fees were last increased in 2016, while PA fees have been unchanged since 2019. Fees for anesthesiology assistants last increased in 2007 and those for resident trainees and perfusionists have not changed since 2005. See the complete fee schedule here.

Since 2016, NCMB has experienced unprecedented growth in all aspects of its work, including:

* A 40% increase in the total licensee population
* A 74% increase in the number of professional licenses issued
* A 79% increase in the total number of complaints from patients and the public
* A 61% increase in the total number of enforcement cases opened

NCMB is funded solely through the fees it collects and operates outside the state budget. It does not receive any government funding and Board Members and staff are not eligible for participation in the State Health Plan or State Retirement Plan.

These fee increases will help ensure that NCMB can continue to protect patients, process license applications efficiently, investigate complaints promptly, and maintain the technology, staffing, and investigative resources needed to meet North Carolina’s growing healthcare demands.

The new fees apply to all license applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026. Licensees whose renewal dates fall on or after October 1, 2026, will renew at the new rates.
https://www.ncmedboard.org/resources-information/professional-resources/publications/forum-newsletter/notices/new-licensing-and-registration-fees-take-effect-october-1