[Analysis of the Current Nursing Workforce Landscape: Policy Impacts and Future Directions].

Abstract

The persistent nursing workforce shortage faced in Taiwan negatively impacts healthcare system stability and patient care quality. This article was conducted to analyze national nursing workforce data and trends from 2015 to 2024 in terms of population aging, domestic and international policy shifts, and key clinical practice challenges. Despite a gradual increasing number of practicing nurses, gaps between licensure, willingness to remain, and actual nursing education enrollment numbers highlight the existence of two crises in terms of 1) nurses obtaining licenses but not entering practice and 2) the high rate of attrition among early-career nurses. In this paper, related initiatives implemented by the Executive Yuan and Ministry of Health and Welfare are examined; Taiwan's response is compared to that of other countries; and gaps in nursing role development, compensation structures, and career advancement are identified. The findings call for implementing an integrated, cross-ministerial, and evidence-based nursing policy framework alongside stronger academic-to-clinical transitions and workplace retention strategies. The policy-relevant insights given may be referenced by decision-makers and healthcare administrators aiming to sustain and strengthen Taiwan's nursing foundation.