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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.
Safety TipHospital facilities built today do not include asbestos, but many older buildings still have asbestos components in them. Steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts were often insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape because of their fireproof and insulating properties. Resilient floor tiles were made from vinyl asbestos. Asbestos cement was employed in roofing, shingles and siding materials. The hazard of this carcinogen increases when the fibers become airborne, and untrained contractors can inadvertently increase risks by cutting, tearing, sawing, scraping, or sanding asbestos materials. Elevated asbestos levels can occur in hospitals where old materials are damaged or disturbed. It is best to leave undamaged asbestos material alone if it is not likely to be disturbed. Inhaling asbestos fibers is known to cause mesothelioma and other diseases. Be sure to use an experienced asbestos removal contractor when you need to get rid of old materials that might contain asbestos. |