There has been some interesting articles in the press recently on how hospitals are coping with the continuing nursing shortage.

Many hospitals are utilizing traveling nurses, who take 8-12 week assignments in a particular hospital. For 20-30% more pay, travel expenses paid, and a chance to see the world (or at least the country), some nurses are jumping at the chance.

To face the nursing shortage, hospitals in Alaska have partnered with the University of Alaska to double the number of nursing graduates by 2006.

Albany Medical Center, in NY, is "growing their own" nurses by sending motivated staff to nursing school, all expenses paid. In return, the newly-trained nurses agree to stay on for at least 4 years. With much fanfare, the first class of 14 just graduated earlier this month.

The good news is that there is some evidence of positive progress. NurseWeek announced the results of their national survey in March 2005. From the article:

"In 2004, nurses observed a reduction in the amount of overtime. Fewer perceived a negative work environment or referred to inadequate salary and benefits as the main reasons for the shortage, although they said both were key factors that could contribute to solving the shortage."

In addition, according to the ACHE annual survey, hospital executives are less worried about labor shortages. Now, financial challenges and uninsured issues top their worry list.

I particularly like the idea of a nursing "reality" TV show (set up by Access Nurses). Though nurses are probably divided on whether the show will make or break stereotypes, I think it will bring a fresh (and can I dare say: cool) perspective on what the nursing profession is all about.