[nursinghumor]

Nursing Shortage Serious For Seniors, About.com:"As the population ages the impact of the nursing shortage will be even greater. There is a threat to the health of every older adult in the United States and Canada looming on the horizon. It is not a virus or new type of bacteria that is causing this threat. The threat to health is a result of the increasing shortage of nurses in both countries.
Over the last couple of years there have been numerous stories in the press about the magnitude and causes of the shortage. So far solutions for this situation have been few. Additionally this nursing shortage will impact the oldest of citizens the most. Older adults use health care services at a higher rate than do younger people. Advances in medicine and improved nutrition and lifestyle have added years to the average life span. With this longer life comes higher needs for medical services, especially the services of professional nurses."
http://seniorhealth.about.com/cs/pre...e_shortage.htm

If I were turning 60 soon (the age statistically that you start to spend more time per year in the hospital), or had parents that were turning 60, I'd definitely be nervous about the care they'll be receiving in the hospital or a nursing home.

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