It is estimated 12 to 15 percent of the nation’s nursing positions are unfilled. That statistic is the signal of a national nursing shortage that could grow into a serious depletion if steps to remedy it are not taken by state leaders.

Hospitals and clinics across the country are facing a nursing shortage that could pose a major danger to the future of health care. According to “Nursing Workforce Requirement for the Needs of Michigan Citizens,” an MSU report released earlier this year, the amount of working nurses has decreased while the number of people with illnesses has increased.

The report also found the average age for nurses to retire is 46, which means a large number might be retiring within the next three to five years.

The nursing shortage has major ramifications not only for Michigan, but throughout the country. An issue that already is impairing U.S. health care could worsen quickly.

Nurses in Michigan and many other states are struggling to meet the growing need of nurses to aid the number of ill people at virtually all hospitals and clinics.

Many places are left horribly understaffed and unprepared to take on a large number of patients seeking care.

A vast majority of nurses are overworked, overloaded and underpaid for working more shifts and taking on more patients, trying to fill spots left vacant because of fewer nurses entering the profession.

The dwindling numbers of students pursuing a nursing career are even more of a concern when the need is so great.

The MSU report estimates by 2020 there will be 20 percent fewer nurses nationwide than needed.

There needs to be more incentives and benefits to convince students to enter the field of nursing. More registered nurses will greatly ease the shortage.

Some lawmakers and organizations already are taking the initiative to make nursing studies more lucrative for students.

In October, state Sen. John Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, introduced a bill that would aid graduate students in Michigan nursing schools.

The bill was passed by the state Senate in May and is in the House.

Michigan’s Department of Consumer & Industry Services also is working toward ending the nursing shortage and luring more people to the profession.

The department has established a scholarship program that awards money to Michigan’s accredited nursing schools.

In December, the department gave MSU $10,000 toward three students’ scholarships as part of the program.

More programs like these are needed to entice students to pursuing a career in nursing. Hopefully, these programs will draw more students to the profession, and that in turn will curb the current nurse shortages.

Still, MSU’s College of Nursing only can accept 80 students each year. There also is a financial need for state training programs.

A major increase in state aid for nursing students and programs will help people realize the need and improve lives. Our health care depends on it.