Many nurses at the University Health System are facing longer hours and busier days as a result of a nursing staff shortage.
According to Marlene Bond, University associate vice president for nursing, there are about 50 nursing vacancies in the Health System. The Health System now employs 1,643 nurses.
Bond said there are many reasons for the shortage.
Interest in working outside the hospital has increased because of attempts by nurses "to normalize their lifestyle" with more consistent work hours and often a smaller workload, she said.
She added that adjusted wages are lower than in past years.
University Operating Room Nurse Irene Peery said inadequate preparation leaves some nurses unable to cope with on-the-job pressures.
"I don't think the School of Nursing prepares students for the real world," Peery said. Nursing students are taught to care for two patients at a time, but "in the real world, there are 10 or 15 patients to care for."
School of Nursing Dean B. Jeanette Lancaster said the school adequately trains students for nursing jobs, but she does not know whether "you can ever prepare a college student for that first three months of work."
Nursing faculty approved a program to prepare students for working in the surgical operating area Monday.
But Peery said many nurses "burn out" as a result of having so much more responsibility in the workplace.
In order to increase the size of the nursing staff, the Health System established a mentorship program about three years ago.
The program consists of recruiting about 50 nursing graduates from schools in the area. The recruits undergo an orientation period of up to six months and must sign an 18-month contract to work at the University.
The average length of service at the Health System is 9.3 years.
In order to compensate for nurses who quit their jobs, the University uses a "two-tiered approach," said Donna Markey, president of the Professional Nursing Staff.
The Health System conducts an advertising and recruiting campaign that also works toward staff retention, Markey said. "It's not just about getting staff here, it's about keeping them here," she said.
Despite the shortage, Bond said patient care is not compromised.
"We really have not seen an increase in patient concerns," she said. The nurses "step up to the plate and still give excellent care."
Lancaster said there is a benefit to the job shortage.
"The bottom line is that a job shortage means good jobs for our grads," she said.
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