Nursing Jobs Still in High Demand

Providence (WPRI) - Despite Rhode Island's growing unemployment rate, the demand for nurses continues to grow.  One estimate shows that more than 20,000 additional nurses will be needed in Rhode Island by the year 2020, or sooner.

 "In terms of the long-range skill set and needs of the population both here in Rhode Island and nationally, the needs are huge," says Lynne Dunphy, a nursing instructor at URI, which hosts one of the five nursing programs in the state.

Recent URI graduate Heidi Danis tells us she was nervous about finding work in this difficult economy, before landing a job at Butler Hospital in Providence.   She says nursing provides students with a diverse set of skills, that are in high demand.

"Nursing is in so many different fields, you don't have to just be in a hospital, you can be out in the community anywhere and it's always evolving."

Some states offer cash incentives to attract nursing employees, but that is not the case in Rhode Island.  However, we've learned nursing lobbyists are working with lawmakers at the State House to develop a plan to lure nurses to Rhode Island, through tax incentives or tax breaks.

Unemployment is currently at 10% here in Rhode Island.  That's the second highest rate in the country, trailing only Michigan.