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Are We Headed for a Nursing Crisis?

On October 24, NOW on PBS will explore a projected nursing shortage that could impact quality
of and access to care for millions of patients.

Be sure to tune in! Below is the press release:

Show will highlight Innovative solutions in New York City and elsewhere

NEW YORK, September 26 – A U.S. government study projects that by the year 2020, there will be a nationwide shortage of up to one million professional nurses . The nursing shortage is already placing strains on the entire medical system. On October 24, 2008, the Emmy Award-winning newsmagazine NOW on PBS will examine the root causes of this crisis, and innovative efforts to reverse the trend.

Even though qualified nurses are in high demand and hospitals are offering attractive incentives, many are leaving the profession. Even more alarming: few are choosing to teach the next generation of professionals. As a result, tens of thousands of applicants are being turned away from the nation's nursing schools.


The production is supported in part by a grant from the Barbara and Donald Jonas Family Fund (more information is available at: http://jonascenter.org/).
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