Nursing Labor

Labor Market Research

For this assignment I have chosen to use the state of Pennsylvania regarding the subject of nursing wages. Nursing is becoming a very much in demand profession, but is lacking the workforce to fill the demand that is present. Wages are a very important factor when it comes to someone deciding what they want to go to school for. One is more inclined to go to school for something they will enjoy doing and also something that can benefit them financially. Nursing is becoming a profession that can benefit a person financially, but there are still problems getting all of the open jobs filled.

In the past ten years the profession of nursing has come into high demand. There are many factors that this may be happening. One of the most important being the number of elderly that are needing care. The “baby boom” era is now reaching the ages to where they need extra assistance to function in every day life. Nursing homes are reaching their filling points and more nursing homes and hospitals are being built to accommodate all of the individuals who need care.

Another major reason for the high demand would be the lack of individuals who are taking up nursing in college. It is a very hard course of study that takes a very dedicated person. Some people just cannot do this profession. Others do not want to as

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they would say waste 4 years and a lot of money to study something they will not enjoy in the long run. I have seen that a few hospitals are now offering to pay for the entire schooling of an individual if they sign a contract to work for them for two to three years after getting their license. This is the only tactic that I can see really working to increase the supply of nurses in the workforce.

A nurse’s pay is determined most like any other professions. Experience is the most important factor. The more experience you have the more money you make. Another big difference between nursing wages is what specific license you have. If you are only a licensed practical nurse you will make less than a registered nurse due to the lack of knowledge the registered nurse possesses from taking more college classes. The difference is two years of schooling and the wage difference is also major. Since the demand has increased for nursing it has caused companies to raise their wages and benefits to entice nurses to come work for them. Another incentive is a sign on bonus. I have seen sign on bonuses as high as $5000 for a registered nurse and $2500 for a licensed practical nurse.

Typically nurses are paid by the hour rather then by salary. This is due to the need for them to typically have to work overtime or stay past their shifts for their relief to come in. It is a job that