As many countries feel the strain of labour shortages, the US are facing similar problems in one of their fundamental industries of nursing and are turning to overseas workers as a means of solution.
The reported decline is not one which has happened overnight; instead numbers suggest that the influx of nursing professionals has been on the decline for the past decade. More specifically according to the American Hospital Association, there are over 116,000 vacancies at present for registered nurses.
The shortages are not merely having a detrimental effect on the quality levels of the health service but are also putting individual hospital’s and wards under immense pressure. In addition estimates show no sign of the shortage easing; with it thought that the number of vacancies will rise to around 1.2 million by 2014.
As part of efforts to solve the growing shortages, congress has announced a two step plan which primarily involves offering greater numbers of temporary work visas and in general greater visa options for overseas nursing staff.
According to gloablvisas.com issuing temporary work visas will go some way to easing the crisis. The nursing industry particularly suffers from other detrimental factors such as non-competitive salaries the world over. However, as many countries feel the brain drain and declining skills pools it is crucial that the US must act quickly to resolve the problem.
The plans come amidst much debated talks of reform regarding the US immigration process and current system. This is a topic gaining increased coverage as both US presidential candidates speak out on the plans for such amendments should they be successful in reaching the Whitehouse.
In particular Florida Representative Robert Wexler spoke of the country relying on the Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act, to help solve the nursing crisis. He said “It will provide immediate relief for hospitals facing shortages by increasing the number of temporary work visas available for foreign-trained nurses…currently; there are very few visas available for these nurses.”
In addition the act would focus on a long term solution which would involve getting more universities to fill the healthcare vacancies in the workforce.
Wexler further said that in order to resolve the growing crisis, congress would have to resort to united discussions regarding the subject. Overseas workers are a great short term solution to the problem however the US will have to reform the immigration process for temporary workers with the long-term benefits in mind.
A further decline in such an essential industry will prove damaging to both the economic stability and welfare of the US as a whole. (source)
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