Lassen County, as well as the nation, faces a critical nursing shortage. Nurses make up 23 percent of our hospital staff. In California, hospitals are short 14,000 nurses, Northern California is short 800 nurses. By the year 2030, hospitals will be unable to fill 30 percent of nursing positions. The aging population needs more nursing and nurses, in general, are aging. Fifty percent of nursing staff are 50 years and older. The aging of patients and of the nursing staff may impact the quality of care.

Nurses now must also go through more training and classes -- masters' degrees for nursing faculty and RN managers and bachelors'  degrees for RN’s. This increased level of education improves patient care and increases job satisfaction. Banner Lassen currently offers tuition reimbursement, flexible work hours and California student loan forgiveness.

What is needed? Expenses for room and board and travel to off-site clinical training sessions for nursing students.