State's 'chief nurse' addresses shortage

By Steve Eighinger

Michele Bromberg, the state's "chief nurse," said Thursday the idea of a state center for nursing will eventually help alleviate what is a growing shortage of nurses across Illinois.

Bromberg, whose official title is nursing act coordinator for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, was at Blessing Hospital as part of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's state-wide "listen and learn forum."

"The issue of the nursing shortage has been a priority for Gov. Blagojevich and I will be working with his office to develop and implement strategies to address the growing shortage," Bromberg said.

The idea of the forum is to get a better grip on the state's nursing shortage, which is also a growing concern nationwide. Bromberg has been meeting with representatives from all levels and kinds of health care facilities around the state.

Blagojevich recently signed legislation creating new programs designed to address the shortage of trained nurses in the state, plus restructuring the licensing system to dramatically reduce the time it takes to process licenses for Illinois professionals.

Bromberg talked about and fielded questions concerning legislative initiatives for health care professionals, health care policies and how to deal with the nursing shortage.

Bromberg said the creation of a virtual nursing center in Springfield, plus additional nursing scholarships, other financial incentives and licensing reform should all work together to help combat the mounting problem.

"The nursing center will be a virtual center and be the 'home' for data, strategies and initiatives that will elevate the field of nursing and ensure Illinois has enough nurses to care for its residents," Bromberg said.

Bromberg will be chairman of the center's advisory board. Candidates are currently being sought for the board.

The shortage threatens to gain momentum in the coming years when baby boomers begin their retirement years and more health care is required for the nation's largest demographic.

"There are 77 million baby boomers and the nursing show is going to grow, because (the need for) health care is going to increase," said Pam Brown, president of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. "This shortage is not going to go away."

For additional information, see the www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/nha.asp Web site and follow the appropriate links.

» Return to "In the News"