The Missouri Nursing Coalition – an umbrella group representing five of the state’s nursing associations – is taking steps to deal with a shortage of nurses in Missouri. The numbers are declining. The Coalition says Missouri has lost 10,000 nurses over the past two years and fewer people are entering the profession. The reasons for the drop-off include heavy workloads, made worse by the fact hospital patients are sicker and in need of more intensive care. As far as salaries go, the Coalition isn’t complaining. It says salaries and professional opportunities for nurses are continuing to improve.
