Oklahoma faces a drastic shortage of nurses and other medical workers in coming years if current trends continue.
That's according to a study of the health care industry released this week.
The study by the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development says that by 2012, Oklahoma could have a shortage of more than 3,000 nurses, 600 lab technicians, 400 physical therapists, 300 surgical technologists and almost 200 occupational therapists.
Those in the industry say Oklahoma colleges can't keep up with the rising demand for more nursing graduates because of lack of faculty members and clinical space for students.
If Oklahoma would become a compact state it would alleviate the nursing shortage, at least to a degree. I wanted to travel to Tulsa for an assignment but the licensure requirements are such that it's like applying in another country. How many other nurses are discouraged by the lengthy application by endorsement and the fees involved? I am choosing to work in compact states only.
Oklahoma will face a major nursing shortage as long as our working conditions are so poor. Oklahoma has the WORST working conditions for nurses in the United States. The pay sucks (even in proportion to the cost of living, it does suck),there are minimal to no benefits, and Oklahoma is one of the most union-unfriendly states in the country, thanks to right-to-work.
Until these problems are addressed, there is no way in hell Oklahoma will ever be able to attract anyone to nursing. So many leave OK when they get out of school.
I agree somewhat. If there's nothing keeping you here in Oklahoma, you'll work as a nurse somewhere else.
There's something on Channel 5 news tonight on the Nursing shortage and why it's about to get worse.
Should be interesting.
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