New England looks to ease healthcare woes

Healthcare professionals are needed across the country, and the New England region is no exception. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are all facing problems, but there are also some glimmers of light. For those who are curious about how the healthcare industry is faring in New England, here's an overview.

In some parts of New England, healthcare salaries are skyrocketing, but other areas are struggling. Urban hospitals often have more funding than rural institutions, so they are able to use higher pay to attract more candidates. Home healthcare is especially feeling the crunch, as low wages and long hours drive professionals to other occupations. Instead of turning to signing bonuses and other quick-fix perks, medical institutions are setting up on-the-job training programs as a way to retain.

Recruiting methods remain traditional, with newspapers, trade journals, job fairs and the Internet playing a big part. In an effort to attract a younger generation of workers, healthcare facilities are focusing heavily on local educational institutions. Not only are hospitals fostering deeper ties with colleges and universities, but they are also making it a point to talk with students at the middle- and high-school levels.

The biggest demand continues to be in nursing, especially for those who work in intensive care, emergency rooms and operating rooms. Other deficiency areas include pharmacists, radiology and mammography technicians, physical therapists and lab technicians. Even entry-level positions, such as cooks and receptionists, are wanted.

New England's relative small size can be both a blessing and a curse. Some people find the area a welcome alternative to big cities such as New York and Philadelphia. But some New England states are also having difficulty retaining the professionals they already have. - MEGAN FITZGERALD, KARA KITTS and SHERRI PFEIL, Staff Writers