Health Care Jobs

The Wall Street Journal (online version) had an article titled:  Slow Recovery Curbs New Health-Care Jobs.  As many states struggle with budgets that must take deep cuts to remain fiscally sound, healthcare provided by state agencies is on the chopping block.  Health care systems that rely on federal monies (Medicare and Medicaid and in some cases grant money) are preparing themselves for cuts or in some cases reductions in expected reimbursements. 

Nurses being the labor force that “costs” facilities a great deal of money is being eyed as well, as an area where staff reductions may occur.   (Never mind that without nursing staff, you would NOT have a health care facility!)

A national nursing Blog had a conversation thread regarding what is the salary of RNs across the country.  A nurse from New York said she made $48/ hour as her base salary.  According to the 2011 Wages for ND Jobs (Job Service ND), RNs in North Dakota can expect to make $19.24-33.21/ hour depending on experience, job title, and location.  LPNs are listed at $14.13-20.24.

The trend in ND has been the rural facilities that employ nurses find it difficult to recruit and retain not only nurses but supportive staff as well.  Nurse aides/ orderlies/ home health aides can expect to make from $9 to $14/ hour.   

As solutions are sought to balance the budget(s), is nursing involved in knowing what it costs to run an organization or do you just pick up your check and are unconcerned at the dilemma most organizations face to recruit, retain, make decisions for a lay off, and balance the limited sources of income all the while meeting the federal and state regulations.  

What does all this mean? It is an opportunity for creative solutions!

What do you think?