States Report Growing Shortage of Nurses (975 hits)
Aug 14, 2012
Healthcare Traveler Mobile News--- A new report released by the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Organization of Nurse Leaders says the nursing shortage in Massachusetts is getting worse. Results from the survey of 76 hospitals showed that vacancy rates for registered nurses (RNs) rose from 3 percent in 2010 to 3.9 in 2011.
A December 2011 survey of 76 hospitals found the vacancy rates for registered nursing positions to be 3.9 percent, up from 3 percent in 2010. The report indicated a larger shortage of RNs at specialty hospitals – 5.1 percent, compared to acute care hospitals at a 3.9 percent vacancy rate. RN vacancies were highest in pediatric critical care units, home health and emergency departments, but post-partum/nursery units, rehab and skilled nursing services were better staffed. Even with the shortages, the number of open RN jobs is still better overall, than the median 4.1 percent vacancy rate of the past 24 years.
