Shortage of Nurses in U.S. Connected to Cost-Cutting, Restructuring and Disrespect

Interview with Suzanne Gordon, author and journalist, conducted by Scott Harris

Large numbers of experienced nurses across the United States are leaving their profession causing a critical shortage of the skilled workforce that constitutes the backbone of the health care system. Rising costs resulting in hospital staffing cuts and deteriorating working conditions has motivated many RNs to leave the nursing field. The nursing crisis comes at a time when the population of aging and sick patients is on the rise.

Award-winning journalist Suzanne Gordon is the author of the book, "Nursing Against the Odds: How Health Care Cost Cutting, Media Stereotypes and Medical Hubris Undermine Nurses and Patient Care." Through interviews and investigative reporting, Gordon examines the causes of the nursing crisis, and by extension, the crisis in America's healthcare system.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Gordon about her analysis of the problems within the nursing profession -- including the lack of respect and recognition many experience on the job. She also looks at solutions, such as single-payer universal coverage, addressing the larger crisis of providing quality and inclusive patient care in American medicine.

Visit Suzanne Gordon's website at www.SuzanneGordon.com

Related links:

www.nursingadvocacy.org www.nursingadvocacy.org

"Nursing Against the Odds," by David Swanson, CounterPunch.org, review of Suzanne Gordon's book, "Nursing Against the Odds: How Health Care Cost Cutting, Media Stereotypes, and Medical Hubris Undermine Nurses and Patient Care"

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"Between The Lines" is a half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues. Because "Between The Lines" is independent of all publications, media networks or political parties, we are able to bring a diversity of voices to the airwaves generally ignored or marginalized by the major media. For more information on this week's topics and to check out our text archive listing topics and guests presented in previous programs visit: http://www.btlonline.org

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