New Mexico is just entering the most critical period for nursing shortages:

• Total Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with residency in New Mexico: 18,084.

• 46 percent of New Mexico nurses are over age 50 and will retire in the next 15 years; 72 percent are over age 40.

• 92 – 95 percent of New Mexico nurses are working in nursing; 72 percent are working full time.

• New Mexico’s population is expected to grow 35 percent by 2020, and the population over the age of 65 is expected to increase 74 percent by that year.

• Health Resources and Services Administration predicts that New Mexico will only be able to meet 64 percent of its nursing demand by 2020.

Source: New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence