Nursing shortage gets worse as universities fail to accommodate demand

The nationwide nursing shortage is getting worse. Experts warn unless fixed, it could dramatically impact the quality of health care in the country.

Fixing this problem isn't easy. It would likely require a lot of time and a large amount of money - two things hospitals and colleges of nursing don't have much of right now.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing projects that within the next 15 years, the shortage of registered nurses in this country is expected to reach more than a quarter of a million. Figuring out how to steer clear of this potential disaster is complex.

"I don't have a magic pill. I wish I did," said Dean Rita Frantz, UI College of Nursing.

Dean Rita Frantz of the University of Iowa College of Nursing says the problem doesn't stem from a shortage of nurse wannabes. The UI can admit 90 applicants into the nursing program each year. About 300 people apply. Some found that frustrating.

"Absolutely. I've had a lot of people who've tried to get in and if they don't after a couple of times, then they pursue other professions because they can't get in," said Meghan Hammen, a nursing school graduate.

Dean Frantz says they'd like to admit more students to their program, but can't. The school has a severe shortage of nursing faculty...partly because of money. She says nurses can make up to $40,000 more per year working at a hospital than they would teaching.

"That's significant. That's just not a few thousand dollars.”

Finding more money to fill the faculty gaps isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

"But if you don't have the professors to teach you can't really fix the problem."

If the nursing shortage problem isn't fixed, some fear patients would receive care from non-licensed caregivers.

"Patient care will definitely suffer. Health care in general will suffer. "

During this recession more nurses returned to work, easing the shortage a bit. Experts predict once the economy recovers, the need for nurses will intensify.

Jami Brinton, KCRG-TV