The Nurse Roles That Are Hardest to Fill Right Now
The shortage in healthcare staffing remains acute. As of 2023, the average registered nurse vacancy rate in U.S. hospitals reached 16%, with over 60% of hospitals reporting vacancy rates above 12.5%. This shortage has intensified in several high-priority nursing roles that require more than standard recruitment tactics.
Geriatric nurse practitioners face mounting pressure as the population ages. By 2030, demand for geriatric care will rise by 50%. Despite that, only a small percentage of nurse practitioners hold certification in geriatrics. Many patients rely on NPs to fill this care gap, but regulatory restrictions and lack of incentives continue to limit access to this vital service area.
Nurse Practitioners Are In High Demand
Nurse practitioners in general remain difficult to hire. According to recent data, nearly 60% of NP roles stay open longer than 60 days. Employers struggle to find clinicians who bring both clinical expertise and the flexibility to operate independently. As the scope of practice laws vary by state, employers in more restrictive regions face even greater challenges filling advanced nursing roles.
Geriatric Specialists Face Short Supply
The U.S. population is aging, but the nursing workforce certified to support geriatric patients is not keeping pace. Only a small fraction of nurse practitioners pursue gerontology certification, despite the fact that older adults now represent a larger share of the patient population. The result is a persistent shortage in a role critical for managing chronic illness, preventing hospitalization, and supporting aging in place.
Rural Bedside RN Roles Go Unfilled
Facilities in rural communities experience higher turnover and longer time-to-fill for core nursing roles. Geographic isolation, limited access to housing or childcare, and fewer professional development opportunities deter many nurses from considering rural placements. In these settings, even general med-surg or primary care roles can stay vacant for months.
Agency Nurses Are Critical But Hard to Place
Hospitals often rely on agency nurses to fill urgent scheduling gaps or supplement staff during high-census periods. While agency work offers flexibility, the demands placed on short-term contractors can deter applicants. Agency roles often lack consistency in onboarding, introduce frequent shift changes, and carry higher stress loads, making them difficult to recruit for and harder to retain.
ICU and Emergency Nurses Face High Burnout
Critical care and emergency department nurses remain among the most affected by stress and fatigue. These roles require rapid decision-making, exposure to trauma, and high emotional endurance. Hospitals continue to report high turnover in these areas, with staffing shortages leading to increased workloads for the remaining team—and compounding the issue over time.
The Custom Group Of Companies Delivers Skilled Nursing Talent
The Custom Group of Companies assists healthcare organizations in filling the most challenging roles to staff. We understand the urgency of covering high-acuity areas, rural gaps, and specialized functions. Our team connects clients with professionals who possess the necessary certifications, clinical experience, and temperament to excel in demanding environments.
We focus on more than just resumes. We assess every candidate’s fit for the work setting and the complexity of the care environment. Whether your team needs a long-term NP or short-term critical care coverage, we move quickly to support your staffing goals—so patient care never slips. Contact us to find out how we can help.
