Teacher Shortage = Nursing Shortage
Everyday I receive news updates addressing the growing nursing shortage crisis. And more and more the focus is on the lack of instructors in nursing programs. Apparently, there is no shortage of qualified candidates but there is a shortage of candidates willing to become nursing teachers.
Many nurses that have left the profession due to stress or other circumstances are well qualified to become instructors. However, the compensation is inadequate and uncompetitive with the actual practice of nursing. It is more attractive for a nurse to work part-time for big $$ than full time as an educator. Consequently, there is an enormous backlog of applicants for nursing school that can’t be accomodated.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) has introduced the Bringing Nurses Back Act of 2006. The legislation is in response to the growing shortage of nurses in upstate NY and provides incentives for qualified registered nurses that are no longer practicing to return to the profession as instructors.
In South Carolina, Lexington Medical Center is helping Newberry College establish a nursing program by providing financial support. This is a practical and commendable initiative but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to staff the school with qualified instructors.
The bottom line? Travel nurses will continue to have many outstanding opportunities to help fill the void, see interesting places and make very good money.
