Aim The article addresses selected determinants of the nursing shortage in Poland and other countries in the face of employee ageing. Background Global demographic changes have led to a systematic increase in the elderly population and a decreasing number of births, which have impacted health policy and healthcare systems in various countries. Both processes necessitate transitions in global health care. Nursing care, which has faced a human resources crisis, is a strategic area within this context. Sources of evidence This study is based on national listings and strategic documents for nursing policy in Poland, including Increasing average age of nurses and midwives prepared by the Polish Main Council of Nurses and Midwives, the incorporation of big data, international reports and a literature review on nursing and healthcare challenges. Discussion/Conclusions This paper argues that the causes of the nursing shortage are multifaceted with no single global or local measure of its nature. An overview of the problem indicates ineffective planning and use of available nursing resources, poor recruitment or an undersupply of a new staff, and global demographic conditions. The overview highlights the fact that nursing shortages have reached a critical point for healthcare services on both the local and global levels. Conclusions for nursing and health policy The general recommendations for nursing policy include the need to prepare and implement national social security agendas into services provided by nurses. Such a programme would include general issues: improving working and employment conditions, implementing mechanisms regulating salary and providing the possibility of lifelong learning with the incorporation of mobile and technological innovations as a sustainable solution.