Abstract
This paper provides a discussion of the nursing shortage among registered nurses in the United States. The issue is defined from a healthcare, educational, and political perspective before two alternatives are offered as a means of combating the shortage which is expected to intensify.

From the Paper
"Today's severe nursing shortage, among other crises in health care delivery, demands alternative approaches to filling the gap in registered nurses. (RNs) According to one CBS News journalist, American hospitals are in a serious crisis, from large numbers of uninsured patients to spiraling costs from outlandishly expensive prescription drugs, to a severe and dangerous shortage of nurses, a shortage that can best be summed up by the fact that there are now over ... open positions for registered nurses nationwide. (Stahl) Most experts in the..."

Tags:Baby Boomers, RNs, LPNs, hospitals, HMOs, patients, AACN, JCAHO, budgets

Abstract
The paper discusses the United States' serious nursing crisis and predictions that this trend will only get worse in the future, showing that the changing demographics of an aging population are largely to blame. The paper also shows that nursing shortages are greater in areas requiring higher levels of education, such as Masters or Doctorate Degrees and that not enough nurses are pursuing educational paths to fill this need. Congress has offered tuition reimbursement and grant programs to help fund higher education and Nursing Associations are working to create faster tracks to a careers in nursing. Other methods discussed are media campaigns which have highlighted the advantages of nursing. This research examines the factors that influence a nurse's decision to pursue higher education and gives insight as to how to eliminate some of the barriers that prevent them from entering into higher education.

Table of Contents:
Literature Review
Scope of the Nursing Shortage
What is Being Done?
Have these Measures Been Effective?
Motivating Factors for Nurses to Pursue Continuing Education
The Traditional Career Path
Distance Learning and the Nursing shortage
What this Research Hopes to Answer
Methodology
Data Collection
Subject Selection Criteria
Data Analysis
Assumptions
Limitations
Biases
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Distance learning offers many advantages over traditional programs. The first advantage is cost. As distance learning facilities do not have the high costs of maintaining all of those classrooms as in a traditional setting, they have lower over head costs and can offer their services at a much lower rate. Convenience is the biggest advantage. Many nursing students start families and must begin working as soon as they obtain their license. They often have many job and family responsibilities that would prevent them from having a career and going to school, without sacrificing family or professional life. Distance learning allows them to work at home, many times at their own pace, and still enjoy the benefits of family and professional life."

Tags:AACN, Labor, Statistics, FNHP, TriCouncil, Distance, Learning