It makes you feel good that you've helped them out at a time when they need direction. Perlita Eparwa began her nursing career at the old Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City in 1982. She still works as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit of Menorah, now located in Overland Park. Eparwa agreed that nurses work under greater pressure now than when she started, but said she still finds her job rewarding. But with fewer younger nurses entering the fold and some experienced nurses suffering from burnout, hospitals are scrambling to recruit.
Some new nurses receive signing bonuses.
Health Midwest offers incentives such as tuition reimbursement and a program called Accelerated Professional Development. The program allows professionals in other careers to train to become registered nurses within a year. The program also is offered to keep those already in health care interested by offering higher education in the field. Doyle, with St. Luke's, said the hospital has stepped up its nursing recruitment efforts on the Internet. Even the most dedicated nurses acknowledge that nursing is a tough way to earn a living.