ATLANTA — Georgia is among the top three states facing the worst nursing shortages, according to a new report from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Chelsea Hagopian with Emory University’s School of Nursing says the numbers may not tell the full story. “We have a serious need for a comprehensive and coordinated data strategy in the state of Georgia to be able to define problems correctly and come up with real solutions that solve real rather than perceived problems,” she said.

Hagopian also stressed that licensing data alone isn’t enough. “The number of active licensed nurses doesn’t necessarily equate to the number of employed nurses; and then further, the number of employed nurses in direct care roles.”

She added, “It just doesn’t tell you the full picture.”

State officials and healthcare leaders continue to explore ways to improve nurse retention and strengthen the healthcare workforce.

WSB’s Sabrina Cupit contributed to this story