Rural hospitals fighting to keep, attract nurses
Rural hospitals fighting to keep, attract nurses By Logan Whaley | April 16, 2021 at 6:07 PM CDT - Updated April 16 at 6:56 PM
POCAHONTAS, Ark. (KAIT) - We told you recently how White River Medical Center is balancing the high demand for health care workers, especially nurses.
St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center is dealing with a similar struggle.
Chief Nursing Officer Sydney Stevens says theyâve consistently had around 10 to 12 openings for nurses at the hospital throughout the pandemic.
âThe nursing shortage in rural areas has increased exponentially,â Stevens said. âNationwide, thereâs about a 9.9 percent [vacancy rate], and thatâs for small hospitals as well as large ones. For us, itâs about 17 or 18 percent.â