The Nursing Shortage: A Crisis in America Healthcare 3 of 8

This documentary takes a very honest, much needed look at the state of nursing in America. By interviewing doctors, hospital administrators, union representatives, members of the public and nurses themselves we get a complete picture of this severe and growing problem.

Produced and hosted by Paula Packwood MHA, RN, a health care professional with over 35 years of experience in the field. She has presented this video to politicians and policy makers in Sacramento and Washington DC.

Directed and edited by Greg Wyatt.

Originally aired on the now defunct Adelphia Channel in the fall of 2003.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• nursing
• nurse
• health
• healthcare
• hospital
• doctor
• HMO
• medicine
• medical
• career
• union
• politics

[lilsnowdrop]

After reading some of the comments, I do NOT think V. Katherine Townsed (6.19)

is belittling LPN/LVN or CNA at all, she just said that RNs are needed. If you are you an LVN/LPN you know there are things that you can't do (ie: IV therapy). At some hospitals LVNs are assigned to RNs so they can do their IV meds and sign their docuentations. Working in ICU and AMCU, I do NOT see any LVNs at all. I see them a lot in L&D and Med/Surg.

[hemitime03]

I see this is all in communist Californication, but it is the same in all states. Nurses are belittled, made to feel like worthless scum. I have been a nurse for over 22 years and not one doctor has ever wanted to go to the parking lot with me.

[iloveukahlil]

a rn is more educated then a lpn i think

[yingdiskette]

As long as LPN's are belittled by RN's there will be more Nursing shortages. I can't believe this lady at 6:15 said that mortalities go up because there are no RN's and she then excused herself and said that LPN's and even CNA's do a good job. Why did she lump LPN's with CNA's? Hasn't she been trained as an lpn?

[STONEDGOAT1969]

Enough of hospital policy and procedures that try to dictate the practice of nursing. As nurses we are practitioners of the art and science of NURSING! Not "employees" of the hospital to be brushed aside with the attitude of "be happy you have a job."

[STONEDGOAT1969]

Come on people. Let's stop ignoring the real issues. Nursing can be a rewarding fulfilling career.

That being said, I for one didn't sign up to do it for free. In other words, pay me. Pay me a wage that reflects the tremendous responsibility I have. Pay me for the knowledge and experience that I bring.

Enough of administration's lame excuses for shrinking benefits and ever shrinking pay scales and raises.

Enough of outrageous sign on bonuses for new grads and no retention bonuses.

[celebrationcastle]

that made me laugh.

[mnorth1984]

i heard most nurses are sluts because they wash balls and wipe ass all day long.

[rioalumni]

"you get the admissions because you have the beds" that is so true!!

[sunlionness2007]

I want to be a nurse, especially a neonatal nurse