Combating the nursing shortage. Vermont's call to action.

This article describes the centrality of the nursing leadership role in Vermont's statewide efforts to combat the nursing shortage, particularly the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Commission and an Office of Nursing Workforce Research, Planning, and Development. Recommendations by the Blue-Ribbon Commission along with its progress to date are presented. The role of the Office of Nursing Workforce Research, Planning, and Development is described in accomplishing the recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Commission. These efforts have been cumulative, characterized by innovation and unprecedented collaboration between stakeholders representing nursing, public health, health care administration, education, and the political and private sectors. Lessons for replication are underscored.