Reports From the Field: Nursing shortage reaching crisis level, says MHA
September 1, 2002 less than 1 minute read
More than 60% of Massachusetts hospitals rate the shortage of nurses in certain departments as "moderate or severe," a new survey reports. The research, conducted by the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) and the Massachusetts Organ-ization of Nurse Executives, also showed the overall vacancy rate for RNs was 9.9%. The vacancy rate for certified nurse assistants was 13.6% in acute-care hospitals and 8.2% in specialty hospitals.
According to the survey, overall nurse vacancy rates in Massachusetts have climbed steadily since 1996, but current nursing vacancy rates are the highest in nearly 14 years. In a press release, the MHA said, "The shortage of front-line caregivers in our hospitals is reaching crisis proportions. The vacancy rate drives home the need for all health care stakeholders to redouble our collaborative efforts to replenish the nursing work force."
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