NURSE SHORTAGE: New Federal Report Underscores Old Problem
According to a new federally funded report, California faces a serious shortage of nurses, unless a "substantial boost" in public university training occurs, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. UCSF study researchers estimate that by 2010, the state will need 43,000 additional registered nurses. Approximately 13,000 registered nurses will move to California from other states, and current training will add 9,000 more. But the state will still see a shortfall of 21,000 nurses. The study noted that 8 out of 10 registered nurses are trained in either community colleges or the California State University system. Kay McVay, president of the California Nurses Association, said that there is already a shortage of nurses. She placed blame for the deficiency on the legacy of layoffs and mistreatment of the profession by state hospitals. "We need to do something to make nursing extremely attractive. ...You can't mistreat nurses and expect them to continue on," McVay said (Russell, 12/10).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.