Smith said a class recently graduated and another will start in about a week. But Weatherwood still has openings for nurses of all skill levels. Smith said there are several openings for part-time nurse's aides, one opening for a licensed practical nurse on the night shift and four openings for registered nurses on all shifts. Registered and licensed practical nurses give medication, start intravenous lines and assess patients' conditions. Because registered nurses have more training, they are able to do more-detailed assessments of a patient's condition.
Nursing shortages are common in areas with large elderly populations.
As baby boomers age, nursing experts say, the problem could grow worse unless steps are taken to make the jobs more appealing, including offering more pay. On Thursday, the Carbon County commissioners renewed agreements with the two companies that supply temporaries. Commissioner Wayne Nothstein said he is pleased to see the staffing crunch has eased. He said the situation could be even better, but Weatherwood's jobs are unionized, allowing workers to bid into other county jobs when openings arise.