VA Staffing Shortages Up 50% Systemwide; 79% of Hospitals Face Nursing Gaps
The Department of Veterans Affairs is grappling with a worsening staffing crisis—and nurses are among the hardest hit, according to a new report from the VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The watchdog’s latest review found that 4,434 severe staffing shortages were reported across Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities this year, a stunning 50 percent jump from 2,959 shortages in 2024. Every single one of the VA’s 139 medical centers reported at least some form of severe shortage, underscoring the scope of the problem.
While physicians still top the list—with 94% of facilities reporting shortages of medical officers—the OIG says nurses are not far behind. Nearly 8 in 10 VA hospitals (79%) reported severe nursing shortages, making it one of the most consistently cited workforce gaps in the system.
For frontline nurses, the numbers confirm what many have been saying for years: they are stretched thinner than ever. Persistent vacancies mean heavier patient loads, missed breaks, and higher burnout—conditions that ripple directly into patient care.
The report also flagged serious shortfalls in other critical roles, including psychologists, medical technologists, and housekeeping staff. Some facilities reported as many as 116 clinical shortages and 52 nonclinical shortages at a single site.
This isn’t just a clinical issue. Nonclinical shortages—such as food service workers and custodial staff—compound the strain, making it harder for hospitals to run smoothly. Together, the gaps paint a picture of a health system where frontline staff are overburdened and patients may face longer waits or inconsistent care.
The VA has unique hiring authorities designed to streamline recruitment—including direct appointments for certain occupations like nurses—but the OIG found these measures have not been enough to keep pace with demand. Recruitment and retention remain ongoing challenges, even as Congress and the VA invest in workforce initiatives.
The VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health system, caring for more than 9 million veterans. When staffing shortages hit this scale, the risks extend beyond the workforce. Nurses and other staff warn that understaffing threatens both patient safety and care quality.
The findings, watchdog officials said, should serve as a wake-up call. Addressing the shortages will require more than special hiring authorities—it will take sustained investment, better workplace support, and renewed focus on retaining the staff who already carry the weight of the system.
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