Report: Minnesota's nursing workforce has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels

A new survey of hospitals in the state shows Minnesota's nursing workforce has, for the most part, bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.

The Minnesota Hospital Association survey shows the average pay for registered nurses has increased to $95,000 dollars, and more nurses are choosing to work part-time.

It also shows staffing challenges when it comes to recruiting doctors at rural hospitals, something association President Rahul Koranne says has been an ongoing issue.

"All of our hospitals across the state, both rural and metro, are working on this 24/7, which is why I think we are seeing some of the improvements as compared to last year," explained Koranne.

Many rural hospitals have doctor shortages with more than one in seven general practice doctors reaching retirement age in the next five years. He says they are continuing to work on that issue.

Koranne says local universities are helping shore up the health care workforce, with medical school campuses in development in St. Cloud and Duluth, and a new nursing program at the University of St. Thomas.

"For example, last year, we hired more than 5,300 nurses," says Koranne. "So, we are seeing that the vacancies fell significantly for the first time since the pandemic."