Ira Strumwasser: Nursing shortage requires action issue - health care

Ira Strumwasser: Nursing shortage requires action issue - health care


In 2005, millions of people tried to prepare for Hurricane Katrina. Today, the urgency for Americans to prepare for the next disaster has never been greater. In Michigan, state and local leaders are planning for possible health crises, from pandemic flu to an act of terrorism. However, there is one issue that will make the response to emergencies even more difficult. It is the shortage of experienced nurses.
We all count on nurses for the compassionate, quality care they provide when we are sick or injured. This care is currently threatened by the shortage of well-prepared and experienced registered nurses. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth estimates that Michigan will be short some 7,000 nurses by 2010 and 18,000 nurses by 2015.
The nursing shortage makes it difficult for our health-care sector to meet current needs. In any kind of emergency, the presence of registered nurses will be key to the ability to provide care for an influx of additional patients - many disabled, seriously ill or injured. The state of Michigan has initiated a number of programs aimed at increasing the number of nurses to care for our citizens.
In Michigan and in other states, one of the factors influencing the shortage is an aging nurse workforce. The Michigan Center for Nursing reports that 31 percent of all Michigan RNs plan to leave the practice of nursing within 10 years. With that in mind, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is taking steps towards finding a solution.
A unique partnership has been formed to develop solutions to establish a stable, adequate nursing workforce to prepare for whatever issues we face.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and the College of Nursing at Michigan State University have come together to develop a new educational program that will help nurses transition to clinical practice areas that best match their stage-of-career and current professional interests. The Nursing for Life: RN Career Transition program will educate nurses with the core competencies needed to practice in a safe and competent manner in new settings, thus offering alternatives to leaving clinical practice.
Although we've only just taken the first steps, the project shows great promise in strengthening the nursing workforce here in Michigan.Here's what you can do to help:
• Support our project - local foundations can help train local nurses to serve as preceptors for our project.
• Support nursing education - spread the word about nursing education opportunities.
• Build the next generation - explore nursing career opportunities that are available to you as well as to your sons and daughters.
source: http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/OPINION02/704220562/1087/opinion
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