"There's no doubt that licensed nursing and certified nurses' aides are the biggest need in our centers, in hospitals and physician offices across the state," he said. "There just are not enough people out there to fill these jobs."

In general, he said, a nurse right out of school can earn a salary of $50,000 and get up to $60,000 quickly. He said a nurse director or quality assurance job can make in the $80,000- to $90,000-a-year range.

Cattell said there are too many nursing homes in the state but there aren't enough workers to staff them.

"We are working diligently in attracting, educating and retaining a skilled workforce," he said, including through its carefortheaging.org website. Other potential solutions include training certified nursing assistants online and increasing the number of health care apprenticeships.

In addition, the state, through its Next Level Jobs initiative, is investing $20 million over the next two years in job training opportunities throughout Indiana. One area it is looking to prepare workers for is health care.