WSIL-TV 3 ABC
Top Stories
Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
Nurses Needed
But in recent years, there've not been enough to go around and local healthcare providers say it's only getting worse.
"You're looking at hundreds of thousands of vacant positions across the nation" says Southern Illinois Healthcare Employment Manager Kristin King.
King says 20 nursing positions are available right now at SIH hospitals and nation wide some employers are having to beg and bribe nurses to work for them.
"Hospitals and home health agencies do need to be very innovative whenever they're recruiting" says King.
In Milwaukee, employers are handing out 50 dollar gas cards to any nurse willing to interview for a position.
SIH has chosen to recruit though education.
"They get their school paid for and they have a job waiting for them after they graduate" says King.
SIH has filled more than a hundred vacancies through its scholarship opportunities, but the shortage doesn't stop at nurses; instructors are also in high demand.
"One of the biggest reason is that it requires a Masters Degree" says Marilyn Falaster, Nursing Instructor at John A. Logan College.
Falaster says the pay is so good in hospitals, many are unwilling to move to the classroom and law requires one instructor for every 10 students.
Every year just at John A Logan:
2,000 people inquire about the nursing program and between 600-800 hundred apply.
But because of an instructor shortage, the program can only take 250 students-- making acceptance very competitive.
But for those who make it into the profession, the job opportunities seem endless.
"No one can replace that position" says King.
By: Chirsten Craig
ccraig@wsiltv.com
To inquire about Southern Illinois Healthcare jobs, scholarships or internships contact Employment Manager Kristin King at (618) 457-5200 or kristin.king@sih.net
Now: 1283451780
