Nursing Shortage Expected to Rise

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Mar 17, 2010 at 4:15 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 8:20 AM CST

IOWA CITY - The nationwide nursing shortage is getting worse. Experts warn unless fixed, it could dramatically impact the quality of health care in the country.

Fixing this problem isn't easy. It would likely require a lot of time and a large amount of money - two things hospitals and colleges of nursing don't have much of right now.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing projects that within the next 15 years, the shortage of registered nurses in this country is expected to reach more than a quarter of a million. Figuring out how to steer clear of this potential disaster is complex.

"I don't have a magic pill. I wish I did," said Dean Rita Frantz, UI College of Nursing.

Dean Frantz explained that the problem doesn't stem from a shortage of nurse wannabes. The UI can admit 90 applicants into the nursing program each year. About 300 people apply. Some have found that frustrating.

"Absolutely," said Meghan Hammen, a U-I nursing school graduate. "I've heard of a lot of people who've tried to get in and if they don't after a couple of times, then they pursue other professions because they can't get in."

The U-I College of Nursing would like to admit more students to their program, but can't, according to Dean Frantz. The school has a severe shortage of nursing faculty due partly to money. Dean Frantz says nurses can make up to $40,000 more per year working at a hospital than they would teaching.

"That's significant," said Dean Frantz. "That's just not a few thousand dollars.”

Finding more money to fill the faculty gaps isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

"But if you don't have the professors to teach you can't really fix the problem," explained Hammen who says she understands the shortage problem is a big issue and needs to be addressed but there isn't an easy solution to this proble,.

If the nursing shortage problem isn't fixed, Dean Frantz and Hammen fear patients would receive care from non-licensed caregivers.

"Patient care will definitely suffer," said Hammen. "Health care in general will suffer. "

During this recession more nurses returned to work, easing the shortage a bit. Experts predict once the economy recovers, the need for nurses will intensify.

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