Healthcare staffing woes rise in Southeast

Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee have plenty to offer residents, whether it is fun in the sun on a sandy beach or a night spent listening to rhythm and blues music. For years people have looked at these four states as great places to live and retire. Although more and more people are packing up and making the trek to these southern states, the healthcare industry is unfortunately suffering. While the population continues to grow and the number of elderly people increases, the number of medical professionals is experiencing a rapid decline. And the immediate future isn't looking too great.

There is a huge demand for a variety of healthcare professionals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Professions that have been hit hardest include nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, lab technicians, x-ray technicians and physical therapists. Because this problem is making an impact on the healthcare industry, and will continue to do so, steps are being taken to combat the shortage. State and private organizations are working side-by-side in an effort to recruit and retain people. They are not only reaching out to high school, middle school and elementary students, but to adults who are looking for a career change as well. Also, colleges and universities are establishing student scholarships, and some are trying to launch student recruitment efforts.

A number of measures have been taken already by medical facilities in order to attract people to the industry. Many hospitals are offering flexible hours, signing bonuses, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement and even child care services. However, if the condition of the industry does not improve soon, many of these efforts will be short-lived.

For Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, just like the rest of the country, the focus not only needs to be on how to find qualified healthcare people, but also how to keep them. Through partnerships among organizations, the battle becomes that much easier. -KARA KITTS and SHERRI PFEIL, Staff Writers