The nursing shortage was caused by poor working conditions, an aging workforce, and difficulties educating new nurses. Poor conditions included lack of respect, heavy workloads, and long hours. Many experienced nurses will retire in the next decade, leaving fewer nurses to educate new students. Schools cannot accommodate more students due to limited faculty and space. Higher patient loads and fewer nurses increase death rates, as studies show lower nurse-to-patient ratios correlate with more deaths. Solutions include increasing funding, offering hiring bonuses, and regulating patient assignments.