FROM THE FOUNDATION

Redefining the Safety Net

Should California establish a Basic Health Program for certain low-income residents? CHCF's Marian Mulkey captures a recent policy conversation in a Health Affairs blog.

Accountable Care in Action

A new post on the Health Affairs blog details how CalPERS kept costs down in Sacramento through a "virtual" ACO with insurers and providers.

Career Opportunity: Senior Program Officer

This position will play a major role in furthering the goals and objectives of the foundation's Better Chronic Disease Care program.

Special Reports

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

California Lags in Nurse-to-Resident Ratio Despite Increase in Nursing School Graduates

California recently received a 'D' grade for its ratio of working registered nurses to state residents.

According to the California Institute for Nursing & Health Care report card, the state averages 644 working registered nurses per 100,000 residents, about half the number recommended for an 'A' grade from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.

In a California Healthline Special Report by Mina Kim, experts discuss the state's nurse-to-resident ratio and the effect it could have on patient care.

The Special Report includes comments from:

  • Deloras Jones, executive director of CINHC;
  • Pamela Lassetter, assistant director of the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board; and
  • DeAnn McEwen, a member of the California Nurses Association's Council of Presidents (Kim, California Healthline, 2/15).

The complete transcript of this report is available as a PDF.

Running Time: 4:35

Reader Comments:
  • 3
  • 02/16/2012
  • J Jones

There's going to come a time when the economy gets better (I hope) and all those nurses without hospital experience will be needed for the hospital, and it won't be a pretty picture for the patients.

  • 2
  • 02/16/2012
  • J Jones

The hospitals are reluctant to hire any nurse who does not have "in-patient hospital" experience, even if they have out-patient experience in a specialized field with advanced certification!

  • 1
  • 02/16/2012
  • Robert Thomas

It doesn't matter one whit how many new nurses are trained in the state if they have no job opportunities upon graduation.

Many/most hospitals are still reluctant to hire new grads as a result of the economic situation.



Readers are invited to send feedback to: chl@chcf.org