Nursing Shortage in Central IL

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

This was on the front page of the Peoria, IL Journal Star this am:

"PEORIA — Mary Oshipitan doesn't graduate from Bradley University's nursing program until August. But she went to a recent job recruiting fair sponsored by UnityPoint Health-Peoria just to network,” she said.

With the latest nursing shortage forcing hospitals to compete, she'll have more networking opportunities than usual before graduation..."

"

UnityPoint, which includes the former Proctor Hospital and Methodist Medical Center, offered bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on experience and specialty, at a job fair Oct. 21. Springfield's Memorial Medical Center also offered hiring bonuses of up to $10,000 at a hiring fair in Peoria in early October.

OSF Healthcare isn't offering signing bonuses, according to Julie Mueller, director of recruitment. But they are rewarding current employees for referring new nurses. Mueller wouldn't give the amount. UnityPoint is offering finder's fees to current employees, along with signing bonuses for new nurses..."

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

A rarity in this day and age. I bet if word gets out they will have an overwhelming response.