Nursing Shortage Predicted :
Officials are predicting an upcoming statewide
nursing shortage, but at least one U.P. hospital
says it's not particularly concerned.
The Portage Health System is involved in Finlandia
University's nursing program, with a current
enrollment of 114 students, and that should help the
medical provider avoid the predicted shortage.
"We can develop working relationships with them
early on in their careers, which really helps us
then fill their positions," says Deb Young, the Vice
President of Patient Services for Portage.
A recent survey by Finlandia shows their graduates
are working nearby--62 percent of them are employed
in the Western U.P.
Statewide, what concerns officials is the average
age of a nurse here: 55 years old. That means many
of them are nearing retirement.
