State and national data on the Georgia nursing workforce.

Background: The enduring absence of robust nursing workforce data creates gaps to support evidence-based workforce planning and policy development.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine Georgia nursing workforce data available through state and national agencies to determine if significance differences exist among data sources.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of 2017 Georgia nursing workforce data was used to examine and compare workforce characteristics available from five data sources. The advantages and limitations of each data source were reviewed.

Findings: Significant differences were noted in the quality and quantity of data collected on the Georgia nursing workforce as reported by state and national agencies. None of the datasets include in our analysis had comprehensive and timely data on the Georgia nursing workforce.

Discussion: Nursing workforce stakeholders must work collaboratively to require and implement a comprehensive re-licensure survey. It is only though a standardized national minimum dataset that we can ensure an adequate nursing workforce.