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Hospitals statewide are struggling to find enough nurses trained in specialties to fill staffing needs.

While demand for registered nurses has tapered a little earlier than state labor officials projected, demand remains high for those with advanced degrees and licenses. For example, Saint Luke's Health System Spokesman Ken Dey says there are vacancies for nurses specialized in coronary care, intensive care, neonatal, operating room and pediatric intensive care. Dey says the Boise-based hospital system is boosting hiring after a stagnant 2009 and looking to fill more than 100 positions. State Labor Department analysts say enrollment in nursing education remains steady. Last year, nearly 500 more adults than expected entered nursing training programs, boosting total enrollment to more than 2,800.