[nursinghumor]

October 5, 2004: Massachusetts: The nursing shortage eases:"The nursing shortage in Massachusetts has eased -- with the vacancy rate dropping from 8.5 percent in January 2003 to 6.8 percent in January of this year, according to a study released last week by the state hospital association and the Massachusetts Organization of Nurse Executives. But hospital officials and nurses cautioned that the long crisis in the nursing profession is far from over."
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/hea...hortage_eases/

Hmmmm . . .I wonder what kind of sign-on bonuses, recruitment tactics they're using. . . . somehow I don't think their nursing vacancy rates are going to stay that low for long.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[lalainnc]

I would not be surprised if the decline in the vacancy rate is due in part to "financial reorganization". I have witnessed this in a couple of facilities. During the budget process, vacant nurse positions that have been open for a period of time are deleted "because they aren't going to be filled anytime soon anyway.." TaaDaa! Instant decline in the RN vacancy rate!

[LeahNTexas]

I think a lot of companies would have less pain if they increased the number of nurses to every patient. And if nurses stuck together more often we could make this change happen.

Leah L. Logan

[nursinghumor]

It is pretty amazing what kind of games they can play with their "number crunching" to produce the results they want.

Had not heard of the "reorganization" method before. Very sneaky.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[LeahNTexas]

Dear Nurses,
October 16, 2004

Greetings! My name is Leah L. Logan. I am a CNA in the Dallas, Texas area. I am writing you, because today after watching thousands of people walk for the Susan B. Coleman Breast Cancer fund, I cried!

I first cried because back in 1996, my mother, Linda L. Logan, at the age of 41 died from breast cancer.

Then I cried because of all of the people walking that wanted to help.

Then from shame, I cried because since my mother died, I have done nothing to honor her or give to the Susan B. Coleman Breast Cancer Foundation.

After 8 years since mom died, I have decided to do what ever I can to raise money for this program.

My goal is to raise $10,000 over next 12 months for the Susan B. Coleman Breast Cancer Foundation.

I have a plan in place, but I can’t do it alone. If any of you are willing to help me, please write to me with your name and phone number, and I will contact you soon. Please don’t be afraid to reach out. And please remember to do your own self-exams and get your mammograms!

Here is the address:

teamnewvision@yahoo.com

[nursinghumor]

Leah,

What does this have to do with the Massachusetts Nursing Shortage? Kindly don't spam the forums.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com