[brian]

When Caiti Kean started college two years ago, she planned to become a pharmacist. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake an interest in nursing.
This year, the nursing bug won her over.

When classes start this fall at South Dakota State University in Brookings, the 20-year-old from Rapid City will begin her first semester as a nursing major.

That's the kind of happy ending - or happy beginning - the nursing profession likes to see.

Since the mid-1990s, the nursing profession nationwide has been sounding the alarm about a current and pending shortage of nurses.

More than 1 million new and replacement nurses will be needed by the year 2012, according to a 2004 survey. And 75 percent of hospital job openings nationwide are for nurses. Hospital chief executives cite "personnel shortages" as their leading concern.

In South Dakota, vacancy rates for registered nursing positions were at 5.8 percent in 2005, up from 3.9 percent in 2002. Vacancy rates for clinical nurse specialists - registered nurses with advanced degrees - were 15.4 percent in 2005, down from 21.1 percent in 2002.

In parts of the nation, vacancy rates have been as high as 30 percent.

Full Story: South Dakota bracing to handle scarcity of nurses [Rapid City Journal,SD]

[HARRN2b]

And what does SD pay their nurses? Hm....wonder what the patient ratio is. Those 2 together could solve their nursing shortage.

[caroladybelle]

The solution is simple.

Since North Dakota, with it's relatively low population, and having obviously solved it's nursing shortage by requiring a BSN for all RNs, it should be able to easily export enough nurses to provide superior care.

But, it has a shortage and still pays the nurses poorly, despite the required BSN education.

What, that can't be right.

[Nitngale]

I'm sure they'll solve it the way the government solves all its job issues as of late. Import more foreigners and pay them less. Its working in the engineering field. Of course American citizens are SOL. But in a few years citizenship will be a moot point anyway.

[soliant12]

Having traveled as an RN in South Dakota the wage for new grads is about $17-$18/hr maybe a little more or a little less. there are no LPNs in the hospital environment and the cost of living is extremely cheap and there is no state income tax. There are numerous nursing programs in the state with the majority being at the BSN level. I would say their shortage is no more than some of the bigger states or national average. The ratios are fine I floated to pediatrics and never had more than 4 patients with an aid to assist. On the med surg it was about 5:1 maybe 6:1 but that was it. ICU 2:1 or 1:1 depending on the acuity. I don't believe any of the hospitals are unionized but the wage is really not that bad and a lot fo hospitals are offering sign on bonuses/ tuition reimbursement to new grads as well.

[MlouRN]

As a RN that works in Minneapolis, MN I can tell you where the South Dakota RN's are...HERE!! Obviously, SD does not pay well because we have many RN's that are willing to make a considerable drive for higher pay. IF SD is seriously concerned about a shortage the hospitals better start enticing RN's to stay local!

[hope3456]

I would predict a temporary 'glut' of new graduates in the next couple years, with so many of the state's nursing programs increasing their admission numbers.

[Bruce RN]

Originally Posted by caroladybelle

The solution is simple.

Since North Dakota, with it's relatively low population, and having obviously solved it's nursing shortage by requiring a BSN for all RNs, it should be able to easily export enough nurses to provide superior care.

But, it has a shortage and still pays the nurses poorly, despite the required BSN education.

What, that can't be right.

You'll be happy to know that ND was not successful in it's enforcement of mandatory BSN requirement for RN licensure.

Their plan fell apart and it is no longer.

[caroladybelle]

Originally Posted by Bruce RN

You'll be happy to know that ND was not successful in it's enforcement of mandatory BSN requirement for RN licensure.

Their plan fell apart and it is no longer.

I am aware and am not necessarily happy or sad about it.

I am just be a bit sarcastic. There are the groups pushing the "all BSN" idea, saying that it will solve the nursing shortage, ensure greater respect, better working conditions and better pay. It obviously did none of the above. I merely tired of the same old arguments, that are shown to be wrong, by the turn of the events.

The all BSN staffing thing is a lovely concept, but given the nature of the work, not practical or workable, if nurses are to render the bedside care that improves outcomes.

If places like ND cannot manage the all BSN concept, with its low, stable population, the problems with instituting elsewhere would be much greater.

[madsmom]

I work in Sioux Falls, SD and i can tell you there are way too many nurses and no jobs around here. You can expect low pay. As a nurse with 7 years experience, including travel nurse experience and management, i'm now up to $20.67/hour. I don't find the working conditions here any better than when i was in Naples, FL. Experienced nurses here are being fired and replaced with new grads. Tons of new grads here due to several nursing programs in SD. The only reason i stick around is for my daughter.