Washington’s Health Workforce Sentinel Network: Summary of Spring 2025 Findings
Abstract
High-Level Findings from Spring 2025
Participants across facility types reported not enough qualified applicants, recruitment and retention problems not related to salary/wage/benefits, and salary/wage/benefits issues as the top three reasons for exceptionally long vacancies. Common examples of reasons for these vacancies cited in 2025 include:
- [Dental hygienists, Dental office/clinic] I have been trying to find a full-time hygienist for my office in [my city] for the past 2 years now. Unable to find anyone who can fulfill this position. Would help if we can get foreign trained dentists to cover the huge demand for hygienists.
- [Registered nurse, Nursing home/skilled nursing facility] Not enough RNs out there. Competing with other healthcare providers due to nursing shortage.
- [Marriage and family therapist, Behavioral health agency] Not enough applicants. Shrinking pool of individuals pursuing degree. Pay often doesn’t justify the significant cost for education. Recommend more subsidies for education in certain fields.
- [Multiple occupations, Rural health clinic] Lack of interest in moving to the area and our inability to compete with urban salaries.
Authors:
Stubbs BA, Guenther GA, Nguyen NH, Skillman SM
Journal/Publisher:
Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington
Edition:
Sep 2025.
Funder:
WA - Washington State Legislature
Documents:
Washington Health Workforce Sentinel Network Summary of Spring 2025 Findings
Citation:
Stubbs BA, Guenther GA, Nguyen NH, Skillman SM. Washington’s Health Workforce Sentinel Network: Summary of Spring 2025 Findings. Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington. Sep 2025