title: A looming public health crisis: the nursing shortage of today.
abstract: The present and anticipated nursing shortage poses a public health concern. This is a unique shortage because nursing is encountering both an increased demand for nursing care and a lower supply of nurses available to deliver it. Nurses, known for patient advocacy, are ethically bound to provide competent, quality care. Currently, nurses comprise the largest group of health care providers in the United States. Through increased understanding of the current situation, the profession will be in a better position to advocate and promote nursing as a viable, attractive career.
authors.affiliation: OHIC Insurance Company, Columbus, OH, USA. jackieross@adelphia.net
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce