Hospitals Move To Fight Nursing Shortage
February 17, 2009
By the Online Nursing Career Content Team – Find Top Nursing Programs Online!
Hospitals are reportedly taking new steps to fight the nationwide nursing shortage by focusing more on keeping them working in the profession longer.
A recent Associated Press report describes various efforts nationwide to help new nurses, many of whom undergo the necessary initial training and then find themselves thrown into difficult and high-pressure situations. In comparison, the wire service notes that recent medical school graduates have residencies that can last up to seven years.
According to the report, about 20 percent of newly-licensed nurses quit within their first year, at a time when some industry leaders believe there could be a nationwide 500,000 nurse shortfall by 2025.
One potential solution cited was a program started in 2004 by Children's Hospital of Los Angeles that now counts at least 70 participating hospitals, at least one of which has seen its turnover rate cut in half so far.
If you're interested in a nursing degree, the conditions may be ideal to start working on your degree. Many areas are becoming increasingly creative in their efforts to bring in new nurses at a time when many other industries are shedding workers.
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