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Some Finding Much Needed Nurses Abroad
by Sherry L. Neal
Published in the Cincinnati Business Courier (March
15, 2002)
Health care professionals might need to look beyond U.S. borders to
alleviate the nursing shortage. The national unemployment rate for
registered nurses is at its lowest level in years, and the shortage is
expected to continue for a decade. The U.S. Department of Labor predicted
employment registered nurses will grow faster than for all occupations
through 2010.
The nursing shortage is attributable to many factors: population growth, the
aging population, and a decline in enrollment at nursing schools. In
addition, the registered nurse population is predominately female—some of
whom choose reduced work schedules or extended leaves of absence to
accommodate family life.
The Bush Administration is promoting careers in nursing, with Health and
Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Education Secretary Rod Paige
recently launching a campaign.
“We have a severe nursing shortage in this country, and it’s absolutely
critical that we encourage more of our nation’s students to choose a career
in nursing,” Thompson said. more of our nation’s students to choose a career
in nursing,” Thompson said.
However, these measures might prove insufficient because it will take
several years for the students to become licensed. Moreover, some of the
traditional strategies employers have used—signing bonuses or relocation
expenses—simply redistribute the supply of nurses.
Health care institutions are looking overseas for professional nurses, but
unfortunately, Congress has not created a quick visa option. The INS
laws do allow foreign nurses to come to the United States after receiving a
green card, a process that usually takes 10 to 12 months. The green card
process is much longer for other occupations, but INS laws allow a quicker
route for nurses because the Department of Labor has predetermined that the
industry has a well-known shortage. Therefore, the health care institution
does not have to prove it has recruited U.S. Workers. Some
institutions have been reluctant to hire foreign nurses. However, many are
realizing they will suffer if they don’t take proactive steps.
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