The Nursing Shortage has been extensively studied for over twenty years and its problems and solutions still remain in good part elusive and frustrating. Numerous organizations, educational institutions, unions, hospital organizations, elected officials, health experts, and individuals have spoken to and written about this topic. And though most can’t agree on one perfect solution, all can agree that it will definitely worsen if nothing is changed.
There have been numerous solutions offered, from a state mandated nurse/patient ratio to numerous “nursing bills” (Nursing in Trouble: Burnout Leads to Negligence, 2001) pending in the legislatures of several states and in Congress. All these are admirable attempts to rectify the growing nursing shortage, which is projected to balloon to 400,000 by the year 2020 in the United States I or according to a recent 2001 CNN report there will be the need for 450,000 nurses by the year 2008.
In February 2002, County of Los Angeles Supervisor Michael Antonovich sponsored a public meeting in his district to give the frontline nurse an opportunity to provide direct testimony to his office on their perception of the causes and possible solutions to the nursing shortage in Los Angeles County. A panel of recognized nursing and other healthcare experts was convened to plan, develop, and conduct the public meeting. Great care was taken to have the panel represent foreign field nurses, nurse educators, nursing unions, hospital/healthcare organizations, and the nurse media.
Education/Career Ladder needed for a foreign nurse to work in the US is:
- Increasing the educational opportunities available to future minority nurses will help establish the profession of nursing that mirrors our wonderful diverse society.
- Problem starts in elementary school. Schools are not adequately preparing our kids in math and science.
It can take five years to get an associate degree..........
