Skilled Nursing Job Growth Remains Slow Despite Healthcare Sector Gains

The number of skilled nursing jobs in the U.S. is growing, but not fast enough. According to a recent report from the Department of Labor, nursing homes added just under 3,000 workers since March, far below the 11,300 jobs gained in the previous month.

Over the past year, the skilled nursing workforce has grown by around 46,000. While this is progress, the sector still hasn’t fully recovered from staffing losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Skilled nursing facility administrator jobs and other long-term care roles remain hard to fill in many communities.

“We are encouraged by the steady growth,” said Holly Harmon of the American Health Care Association. “But five years later, we still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels.”

Other healthcare fields, such as hospitals and outpatient care, are recovering faster. In April, healthcare added 51,000 jobs overall, with hospitals gaining 22,000 and ambulatory services adding 21,000 positions. These numbers show that while healthcare is leading job growth in the U.S., nursing homes are still struggling to attract workers.

Staffing Challenges Hurt Long-Term Care Access

Experts warn that slow hiring in skilled nursing jobs could affect patient care. Without enough certified nursing assistants, nurses, and skilled nursing facility administrators, long-term care providers can’t meet the needs of current or future residents.

With America’s aging population, demand for skilled nursing care is expected to surge. Yet many facilities still face staffing shortages, and some lawmakers are discussing cutting Medicaid support, funding that’s vital to hiring and keeping staff.

“Now is not the time to reduce resources that support our most vulnerable population,” Harmon said. “We need Congress to protect Medicaid and invest in real workforce solutions.”

Economic Uncertainty and Nursing Jobs

National job growth shows the economy is still strong, but some investors are worried about potential slowdowns due to rising costs and trade tariffs. In nursing home circles, the talk of a possible recession has a silver lining.

Some providers, like the Ensign Group, say downturns can actually help skilled nursing job hiring. During recessions, more people often return to healthcare jobs, including nursing and administrative roles.

“We’re in a stability phase now,” said Suzanne Snapper, CFO of Ensign Group. “If a recession happens, we usually see more people coming back into the workforce.”

Investing in Skilled Nursing Jobs is a Must

While the skilled nursing job market is slowly improving, there’s still a long way to go. Providers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders must continue working together to support the long-term care workforce, from nursing aides to skilled nursing facility administrators.

Stronger Medicaid funding, better pay, and safer work environments will help attract and keep the staff needed to care for the growing senior population.