Planning and Governance Gaps in the Global Nursing Workforce: A Systems-Based Analysis Toward 2030

Planning and Governance Gaps in the Global Nursing Workforce: A Systems-Based Analysis Toward 2030 | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 19 February 2026 V1 Latest version Share on Planning and Governance Gaps in the Global Nursing Workforce: A Systems-Based Analysis Toward 2030 Authors : María José Díaz 0009-0001-9046-9560 [email protected] and Félix Rubial Bernárdez Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.177149541.10355949/v1 101 views 44 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Purpose Global nursing shortages represent a critical threat to health system capacity, equity, and sustainability worldwide. Despite extensive workforce monitoring and policy initiatives, shortages continue to deepen across health systems. This paper examines global nursing workforce shortages through a systems-based planning and governance perspective, exploring how regulatory, organisational, and policy mechanisms interact to reproduce workforce instability toward 2030. Design/methodology/approach An analytical synthesis of global nursing workforce evidence published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted, integrating peer-reviewed studies, international workforce datasets, and policy reports from the World Health Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the International Council of Nurses. Rather than reiterating descriptive indicators, the analysis examines how planning, governance, and regulatory arrangements interact over time within health systems. Findings Nurses account for the largest share of the projected global health workforce deficit, estimated at approximately 4.5 million of the 11–13 million shortfall expected by 2030. Five interdependent system drivers emerge: inadequate alignment between workforce planning and licensure systems, insufficient retention and wellbeing frameworks, unmanaged international recruitment, fragmented governance structures, and limited use of workforce intelligence. These drivers operate through reinforcing feedback loops linking shortages, burnout, attrition, migration dependency, and demographic pressures. Originality/value The paper advances a systems-based workforce governance framework that conceptualises global nursing shortages as a planning and governance challenge rather than a simple supply deficit. By identifying leverage points across policy, organisational, and regulatory domains, the analysis offers actionable insights for health system planners, managers, and policy-makers seeking to strengthen workforce sustainability toward 2030. Supplementary Material File (wiley paper vancouver (1).docx) Download 982.29 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 19 February 2026 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords health workforce planning workforce retention Authors Affiliations María José Díaz 0009-0001-9046-9560 [email protected] Universidade de Santiago de Compostela - Campus de Lugo View all articles by this author Félix Rubial Bernárdez Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 101 views 44 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation María José Díaz, Félix Rubial Bernárdez. Planning and Governance Gaps in the Global Nursing Workforce: A Systems-Based Analysis Toward 2030. Authorea . 19 February 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.177149541.10355949/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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