For years we’ve heard about a nursing shortage, and how nursing graduates have had their pick of jobs and sign-on bonuses. But that may no longer be the case. As the economy worsens, more nurses are putting off retirement.
A new survey out from UVM’s Office of Nursing Workforce reports that the median age of nurses in the state is 49.7 years of age, and 92% of nurses report being somewhat to very satisfied with their positions. Though, healthcare experts warn that this may only be a temporary fix to the longstanding problem of the state’s nursing shortage.
Mary Val Palumbo is the director of UVM’s Office of Nursing Workforce. Liz Cote is the director of UVM’s Office of Primary Care and the Area Health Education Centers Program. Sarah Magnus is a nurse at Fletcher Allen in Burlington on her first day on the job. They speak with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about the state’s nursing shortage.