A nationwide shortage of health care professionals, especially nurses, is beginning to surface and can be taken advantage of by those left in the wake of economic crisis.
“Over the next 20 years, the average age of the RN will increase and the size of the workforce will plateau as large numbers of RNs retire. Because demand for RNs is expected to increase during this time, a large and prolonged shortage of nurses is expected to hit the US in the latter half of the next decade,” said workforce analyst Dr. Peter Buerhaus in the November 26, 2008, Journal of the American Medical Association.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recently reported that in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the health care sector of the American economy was continuing to grow, despite steep job losses in nearly all major industries. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other ambulatory care settings added 27,000 new jobs in February 2009, a month when 681,000 jobs were eliminated nationwide. As the largest segment of the health care workforce, nurses will likely be recruited fill a large portion of these new positions.
There are about six nursing (or nurse-related) positions open now at Pattie A. Clay (PAC) Regional Medical Center, and Jill Cornelison, PAC’s chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services, said she is accepting applications every day.
It is uncertain as to when the number of job openings will increase or decrease, she said.
“If today we don’t need you, that may change next week,” she said.
PAC is an acute-care hospital that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Nurses are in the hospital every day, every minute,” Cornelison said.
Because of that reason, the availability to work nights and weekends could make an candidate much more valuable, she said.
“I can remember 20 to 25 years ago, you could never expect a day-time job (in the nursing field),” she said.
Another thing for potential employees to consider is that the majority of the nursing staff at the hospital will be between the ages of 40 and 45 by 2010.
“In a few years, there are going to be a lot of people retiring,” she said.
Like any job, there are busier times than others, but the persistence and patience pays off.
“There is a wonderful feeling of being rewarded,” she said. “It is such a rewarding job that it always makes up for stressful situations.”
Passion and dedication are very important for a nurse to have, along with the proper level of education.
According to Cornelison, nurses should have “... a passion to do the very best and keep the patients first and dedication to persevere the positive and negatives of caring for ill people.”
Applications can be completed online at www.pattieaclay.org, or call 623-3131.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
Local News
America to see shortage of health care professionals
Local hospital looking for nurses
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Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
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Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
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EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
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Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
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Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
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Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
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Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
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