Nursing shortage will become a crisis by 2020 locally, nationally
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By SARAH HINCKLEY Staff Writer - Published: September 17, 2006
The nation will face a medical emergency in 2020.
Experts predict the nursing workforce could be short 1 million caregivers, according to Valerie Biebuyck, a Rutland lawyer.
Vermont nursing experts met with Republican Congressional candidates at Rutland Regional Medical Center on Thursday to discuss the state of nursing.
A second conference is scheduled for Thursday at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin with Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, Peter Welch.
On Thursday, Martha Rainville, who is running for the U.S. House, and Richard Tarrant, who is running for the U.S. Senate, heard concerns about the nursing shortage.
The experts outlined the problems affecting the nursing industry, which include an aging workforce, the need for more education and support programs, a lack of nursing educators and low retention rates for younger workers.
All of Vermont's post-secondary nursing programs have waiting lists, according to Anne Smeglin, chairwoman of the Castleton State College nursing program. The nursing faculty shortage is a significant problem, she said.
"We cannot educate them (nursing instructors) fast enough, because we don't have the capacity," she said.
There are 3,500 nursing programs in the United States that enroll about 300,000 new students each year.
An additional 100,000 students would be needed each year to keep up with demand, said Smeglin.
In 2005, 110,000 qualified students looking for a post-secondary nursing education could not be accommodated, said Smeglin.
"There is big trouble ahead," said Mary Val Palumbo, director of the Office of Nursing Workforce Research, Planning and Development in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont.
She said Vermont has more practicing nurses over the age of 60 than under the age of 30.
"Frankly they're tired," said Val Palumbo.
Many practicing nurses choose not to teach because it means a cut in pay. According to Smeglin, at least 40,000 nursing faculty with master's or doctoral degrees are needed in the United State. Fewer than half are teaching.
Vermont has five post-secondary nursing programs. Norwich University, University of Vermont and Southern Vermont College offer bachelor's degrees, and Castleton State College and Vermont Technical College offer associate's degrees.
Rutland Regional Medical Center offers a 12-week Vermont Nursing Internship Program for graduate nurses who need more experience before practicing.
"Since the adoption of the nursing internship model at RRMC, the impact on the nursing department has been very positive," said Dorie Ward, a registered nurse and the chief nursing officer at the Rutland hospital. "The program has driven down our vacancy rate and increased nursing retention."
When Patricia Skidmore, director of the emergency department at Rutland Regional, began working at the hospital eight years ago there was a nursing shortage. In the last five years, with the implementation of the internship program, her department has achieved a zero vacancy rate and turnover has decreased. However, the federal grant money she used to initiate the program is no longer available.
"We certainly need to be looking for more funding," said Skidmore. "I have people now waiting to come into the program and I have no vacancies."
Retention rates are low among nurses who do not have a strong support system and are required to work long hours in high-stress situations, according to one official attending the conference. She said many left the profession because of a lack of appreciation for their work.
"That is a silent protest, they are sick of it," said Sherry Brooks, staff nurse and surgical registered nurse. "Nurses are … the heart of the hospital."
Vermont has 9,000 licensed nurses, but just 5,000 are practicing. According to the Office of Nursing Workforce Research, Planning and Development, 50 percent of registered nurses are employed in hospitals. Home health agencies employ 10 percent of the state's RNs. Other agencies, including schools, assisted living centers, public health agencies, long-term care facilities, nursing schools and mental health centers employ the remaining nurses, employ about 8 percent or less each.
Few solutions emerged after discussions with Tarrant and Rainville.
"We need to know that nursing is at the table in Washington," said Peggy Sharpe, executive director of the Vermont State Nurse's Association. "They are the backbone of the health care system and we need to know their voices are there."
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@rutlandherald.com
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