Nurse shortage in Oklahoma

The continued nursing shortage is reaching a critical condition in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa says enrollment in local nursing programs has dropped 30 to 40%. <br><br>It's a growing concern in

Saturday, April 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The continued nursing shortage is reaching a critical condition in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa says enrollment in local nursing programs has dropped 30 to 40%.

It's a growing concern in hospitals nation-wide. According to the Oklahoma Nurses Association, the state will need as many as ten thousand nurses to fill vacancies over the next decade. The problem? A retiring workforce and an aging baby boom population. Michelle Hiserodt, RN: "That's what you're gonna see and then you're really gonna see a huge shortage."

The nursing shortage has gotten the attention of state lawmakers. They're tackling several bills, including one that could make recruiting and training future nurses more effective.