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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
How has the nursing shortage affected you?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Despite a dour economy, it looks like nurses are one group with job security. In fact, there aren’t enough to fill available slots, according to a AP recent article.
Federal health officials predict about 233,000 additional jobs will open for registered nurses each year through 2016, on top of 2.5 million existing positions. But only about 200,000 candidates passed the Registered Nurse licensing exam last year, and thousands of nurses leave the profession each year.
They earn decent money. Registered nurses made an average of $62,480 in 2007, according to federal statistics. Include overtime, and some can earn more than $100,000, according to the article.
So why are they leaving? Among other reasons: Not enough qualified instructors to train other nurses and difficult working conditions.
How has the shortage affected you? We’d also like to hear from nurses.
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