One of Vermont's major hospitals is working hard to attract the nurses it needs to continue to provide quality health care while the number of nurses is declining and the population is aging.
The Rutland Herald reports the Rutland Regional Medical Center is offering a $5,000 bonus for nurses who sign a two-year commitment, plus relocation costs for those who move to the area.
Rutland hospital Vice President Brian Kerns says a 12-week licensed nursing assistant course is being offered at Stafford Technical School for approximately $1,500. The hospital also collaborates with officials at nursing programs at a number of the state's colleges that offer such programs.
A survey has found that Vermont needs 3,900 new nurses by 2020 due to attrition and retirement.
