Does this job description sound good to you?

• Signing bonuses sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars
• $40,000 a year salary after two years of college coursework
• $14 to $20 an hour for licensed practical nurse
• $16 to $45 an hour for a registered nurse
• Flexible work-life balance
• Fulfilling duties in a daily, challenging work environment

Sounds good to me. But it isn’t good enough to attract nurses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.

Nurse Roxanne Baker says:

There are many reasons but primarily, I think it’s the time involved and respect. You have to go to nursing school for four years.

Once people get out of school, there’s a little lack of respect from doctors. A nurse feels it once they get out in the field. I’ve heard that a lot.

There’s also a shortage of qualified teachers at the master’s level and above to train nurses.

Despite the challenges, nurse manager Pam Smith thinks it’s worth it:

You’re not moving a pile of paper from here to there, you touch lives. A lot of times you have to step back and remember why you do what you do. You do this because you want to touch a life and you want people to touch your life. You can make a difference.

Are you here to make a difference or make a quick buck? Get out there and do it!

The Enquirer, May 7, 2006

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