Letter: Hospitals create impression of nursing shortage

Thursday, July 19, 2001 | 9 a.m.

It is with great interest that I read Mike O'Callaghan's column pointing out the truth behind the so-called "nursing shortage." I especially enjoyed the letter that was sent in a week later by a local nurse who wants to work, but has found that local hospitals have no use for her because she's "less than perfect."

Too often the "nursing shortage" is used as a convenient excuse when nurses, patients and their families call attention to the lack of staff to care for patients in the hospital.

When the hospital industry turns the discussion to the nursing shortage, they ignore the real issue involving deliberate attempts by hospital administrators to keep staff levels low in an effort to cut costs and increase profits.

Why would we be skeptical about the so-called nursing shortage? It is our experience that local hospitals are not doing enough to retain the nurses they have now.

If the hospital industry is truly committed to providing patients with the best care, they need only look to the existing pool of qualified registered nurses. It is time for us to challenge local hospitals to improve working conditions. It is time to treat nurses with the care and respect they deserve.

CHRISTINE SAWYER

Editor's note: The writer, a registered nurse, is chair of the Nurse Alliance for the Service Employees International Union, Local 1107.