Nursing shortage could be looming
Nursing shortage could be looming Save Email Print
South Bend, IN
Posted: 7:00 PM Sep 22, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:46 PM Sep 22, 2008
 Reporter: Nick McGurk
Email Address: nick.mcgurk@wndu.com
14 comments
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A friendly greeting, a check of the pulse—just a snapshot of what nurses do everyday.

They go to school around the area to learn a profession in high demand.

But with so many area schools that offer registered nursing programs, it's actually not potential nurses that are in need-it's the faculty to teach them.

"One of the things that works against us, quite frankly is salaries. The salary of a nursing professor is much lower than a salary of a nurse in a hospital,” said Mary Jo Regan-Kubinski, who is dean of nursing and health professions at Indiana University South Bend.

Also, instructors need a master’s degree in order to teach. Indiana University South Bend started a program this fall to address the issue.

Still, demand for nurses and those who teach them will continue to rise.

“As the baby boomers age and your life expectancy has increased, there is this continual need for more services within a hospital organization,” said Marsha King, chief nursing officer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
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Posted by: Ron Location: INdiana on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:07 AM
No, I wont, because LPNs cannot do anything for pain. They dont belong in hospitals. They belong in homes.
Posted by: Lois Location: Indiana on Sep 24, 2008 at 05:09 AM
I am an LPN with twenty-three(23)years ex- perience in hospitals,nursing homes and clinics.People seem to think we are nothing more than "glorified aides".I have worked with RNs and BSNs that were incapable of freeing an IV of air bubbles! Do not let the initials fool you.It all boils down to the individual and their capabilities.I have respect for all nurses and consider myself capable of caring for my charges to the best of my ability.I have worked in pediatrics,post-surgery,and obstetrics,to name a few.I have never hurt anyone nor have I ever lost a patient.I have confidence in my abilities because I love what I do.No matter what your title,if you go into nursing for any reason,other than the fact you care,you are not going to succeed.This is a rough job that a real nurse will love!I love my job,otherwise,I would not have stayed with it this long.Think what you will,Ron.Should you ever have to be in the hospital,you will appreciate the LPN who is responible for your pain!
Posted by: MS Location: nearby on Sep 24, 2008 at 12:54 AM
To Dee - It will be your problem when you don't have a nurse with enough training to take care of you if you ever have the need to go to a hospital. When you go to the hospital crying in pain, do you want someone there to look at you and say "Not my problem!" Please think before you post.
Posted by: Elizabeth Yaw RN BSN CCRN Location: South Bend, Indiana on Sep 23, 2008 at 03:59 PM
There two types of nurses, LPN's and RN's. They are not on the same level. LPN's go to school for about a year. They DO NOT have associates degrees. They have a diploma from a practical nursing program and then take the practical nursing board. If they pass, they are LPN's. RN's start out with either an associates or bachelors degree, then take the nursing board. If they pass, they are RN's. Either type of RN makes the same money in this area. To teach RN students you need a master's degree. That takes a tremendous amount of time and money. Nurses at the bedside make much more money than nurses teaching students. At the rate we are going we will run out of nurses in about 20 years. There is no incentive to get us to spend the time and money to go to school and then take a pay cut to teach. I didn't go into this profession 27 years ago for the money, but I have a family to feed too.
Posted by: your problem Location: indirectly on Sep 23, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Say that when we run out of nurses because no one is there to teach them, Dee. People like you bring society down as a whole. What if Cops and Firefighters had the same mentality? You are a self-centered waste.
Posted by: rehab nurse Location: Warsaw on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Ron,never assume just because a nurse has RN behind their name that they have more skill than an LPN.
Posted by: Jason Location: goshen on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:29 PM
An LPN can not do the same things as an RN. LPN's are almost useless in a hospital setting. They are used some, but not in a lot of areas. LPN's are mainly used in DR offices and nursing homes. But still it is up to the RN to do all the assessments. But the whole story that WNDU was saying that there is not enough facualty to train new nurses, which is the real problem.
Posted by: bert Location: elkhart on Sep 23, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Every effort should be made to encourge our young people to check into making nursing a career. This is a noble and satisfying profession. My experience with nurses has always been most rewarding. never had a nurse who didn't repect me and treat me with (T L C) tender, loving care. and I am most thankful.
Posted by: Todd Location: Granger on Sep 23, 2008 at 10:21 AM
LPN is about 12-18 months training ASN 2 years training (associates) BSN 4 years training (bachelors) No pay difference in Indiana for ASN vs BSN Less pay in Indiana for LPN
Posted by: Ron Location: IN on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Well, no one wants an "LPN." They want and need an RN. An LPN is what? An associates? Please, keep them away from me if I am in a hospital.
Posted by: b Location: knox on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:44 AM
so, raise the pay. duh.
Posted by: Buford Location: reading the article on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:28 AM
The issue is instructors in classrooms, not nurses in hospitals. Please read the article before commenting. Thanks
Posted by: dee on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:24 AM
oh well not my problem
Posted by: Rita Location: Kendallville on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:11 AM
The shortage wouldn't be as severe if hospitals and such would quit ignoring the fact there are plenty of LPNS who want to work in a hospital!

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