Code Blue on America's Nursing Shortage |
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July 24, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
The shortage of nurses in this country has reached critical condition. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that by year 2020, there will be a 20% gap between open nursing positions and qualified job applicants. And last May, the National Commission on Nursing Workforce for Long-Term Care announced that the turnover rate for long-term care nurses exceeds 50%, leaving almost 100,000 vacant nursing positions throughout the land.
RN Degree Seekers Get Education Money
A survey conducted by Nurseweek Magazine and Catholic Healthcare West, revealed that most RNs say staffing problems have gotten worse in 2005. In California alone, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has allocated state grants for licensed vocational nurses to pursue RN degrees. Recently, $515,000 in state funds went to a small section of Los Angeles County where hospitals expect to have 400 to 500 RN job openings within the next 18 months.
Registered Nursing Programs Lead to Long-term Job Security
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that RNs make up the largest-single health care occupation, with more than 2.4 million working in America today. Nursing aides, licensed practical nurses, professionals with a bachelor's of science degree in nursing, or an associate degree in nursing are entering RN master's and post-master's nursing programs to qualify for the higher-paying roles in high demand.
RNs Face a Bright Employment Future
The hue and cry for qualified nurses among the professions is only amplified by BLS projections that job growth should increase 18 to 26 percent between 2004 and 2014. The BLS further claims that an aging RN population coupled with a shortage of interested younger nursing students will only aggravate shortages.
Hospitals are actively mounting recruitment drives by offering hiring bonuses, time-on-job incentives, and subsidized training for advancement. It's a great time to enter or -- graduate from -- training programs for RN degrees and specialized certifications.
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Nurseweek Magazine
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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