| The nation is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of nurses. Medical
errors are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) examined 1,609
hospital reports of patient deaths and injuries since 1996 and found that low
nurse staff levels were contributing factors in 24% of the cases. Additionally,
a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that each additional patient over four in a nurse's workload increased
the risk of death for surgical patients by 7%. |
| There is a declining number of nursing school graduates. In 2000, the Nation
graduated 26% fewer nurses than in 1995. Schools are experiencing limited
nursing program capacity. In 2002, nursing schools turned away more than 3,600
qualified applicants due to nursing faculty shortages and other limited
resources. |
| The nursing workforce is aging resulting in a larger percentage nurses who
are approaching retirement. There is an increased demand for nursing services.
Population growth, aging of the population resulting in increased per capita
demand for health care and trends in health care financing (an average of 85% of
the population are covered by some form of health insurance) are major factors
driving the increased demand for nurses. |
| According to the American Hospital Association, 126,000 nurses are currently
needed to fill vacancies at America's hospitals. That number is expected to rise
to 400,000 by 2020. During the past year, demand for qualified nurses was
stronger than ever, due to an acute nursing shortage in our country's hospitals
and health care facilities. The current nursing shortage has resulted in strong
demand - a demand for qualified nurses with no end in sight. |
| Nurses are very vital in our society! They are schooled and trained to care
for the ill and disabled. To become a nurse, a person must attend a nursing
school for an extended period of time and successfully complete all requirements
for the graduation. Upon graduating from nursing school, this tremendous
accomplishment should be acknowledged and rewarded by everyone with praise and
recognition. The best way to ensure your graduation from nursing school is known
by all is to send nursing school graduation invitations to all your family,
friends and acquaintances. |