Trending
If you have received care from a nurse in West Virginia lately, you may have noticed it seems as though they have a lot on their plates -- yet they still manage to get the job done. Among the reasons for that increased workload is a shortage of nurses, and the problem is expected only to get worse.
According to the report "Nursing in the Time of COVID-19," nearly 32% of nurses nationwide plan to retire or leave the field -- this year.
Here in West Virginia, the outlook is even grimmer. There are more than 34,000 registered nurses in the state, and approximately 38% of them are considering retirement, according to WCHS, which was reporting on "The Future of Nursing," a fundraising event held in Charleston.
During the event, emcee Derrick Grant said "Nurses sacrifice so much all year long. They are beat up, they are hurt, they subject themselves to serious diseases."
Nurse practitioner Nancy Atkins added "It is hard work. It is work of the heart, but it can also wear on you, and as fewer nurses are available, the more difficult the patient care becomes because we have more patients and fewer nurses."
Mountain State officials have tried new programs and incentives to reverse the shortage, and nursing education programs are on the upswing. But the need outpaces any progress being made.
"Nursing is caring for others; it is the thing that fills me up because we are caring for other people, and in doing that, it helps you feel cared for, and helping others is a big piece of what nursing is all about," Atkins said.
It is not for everyone, but surely there are more who could answer the call. If you are looking for a career path -- or even a career change -- look into nursing. West Virginia needs you.