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Combating the nursing shortageSTATE SENATOR Richard T. Moore is on target in his efforts to address the emerging shortage of nurses ("Time to heal the nursing issue," op ed, April 5). Moore offers a strategy that focuses on the root causes of the shortage and proposes initiatives that would help ensure an adequate supply of skilled nurses today and into the future.
Professional nurses share a common goal: an unwavering dedication to providing quality patient care in a safe environment. Our ability to achieve this goal hinges on having enough nurses who are appropriately educated and trained, supported in their work, and given a strong voice as advocates for patients and their practice. Moore has suggested statewide financial, educational, and professional initiatives for nursing. We know from experience that this approach works. Massachusetts General Hospital continues to outperform recruitment and retention benchmarks because our nurses are empowered decision-makers, an integral part of the health care team, and appreciate the investment the hospital makes in their professional practice and advancement. Patients, health care providers, and government officials must work together and address the real problem at hand. Without targeted, far-reaching, and thoughtful initiatives such as those advanced by Moore, there will not be enough nurses to go around. JEANETTE IVES ERICKSON © Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.
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