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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Nursing Return to index of stories... |
At some point in our lives, nearly all of us will somehow benefit from the care of a nurse. And as the baby boom generation ages, the demands for their services will grow exponentially. The problem is, we're at the dawn of a nationwide nursing shortage. The number of unfilled positions in the country is now estimated at 126,000. Producer Phil Vaughn reports on what is being done to address the problem in New Hampshire. 59-103 120-124 |
| Nursing Shortage Return to index of stories... |
Sound of instructor at nursing camp Narr 1 - It's a summer camp like few others. Sights of sounds of students learning how to use medical equipment Bridget - nursing instructor - 2-42:00 - "This camp is a great opportunity for them to dip their feet in the pool and see there are many opportunities in nursing. It's good to have something in their hands and see what it's like." Narr 2 - Welcome to nursing camp at St. Anselm College, where even the most basic instruction is important. This summer, twenty-seven girls and one boy spent two weeks experiencing what it's like to walk in the shoes of a nurse. Quick clips from students Sylvia Durette - camp director 1-12:10 "What I'm hoping is that they learn more about nursing and about themselves so even if they choose not to pursue a career in the nursing profession, they'll still be good citizens who have learned to provide comfort to others." Narr 3- Students divided their time between classroom and clinical settings. Sound in OR at Elliot Hospital Nurse - Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson 58:48 "This has been a big eye opener for the kids. I think they have a better appreciation what nursing is and help them make decisions about the profession. We want people who we train to feel committed. This is so cool." Narr 4 - The goal of the camp is to turn young people on to the nursing profession. Presently, there's a nationwide shortage of nurses. Job stress, workload and other career opportunities are some of the reasons that have lead to the shortage. In New Hampshire, there are about one thousand nursing positions to fill and the situation is expected to get worse. Sue Fetzer 1-14:40 "This is not a nursing issue, it's a public health issue. We are looking for public support or there soon won't be enough nurses to care for patients." Narr 5 - Dr. Sue Fetzer is an intensive care unit nurse at Elliot Hospital in Manchester. She also teaches nursing at the University of New Hampshire and is President of the New Hampshire Nurses Association. She's worried that a crisis is looming. As many nurses move closer toward retirement age, there will be fewer to replace them. 1-10:15 "If we don't take action, it's going to get worse. Recent reports indicate that there's a 10% shortage of nurses in NH. In ten years, that will be 27%." Narr 5b - Franklin Hospital, which recently merged with the Lakes Region General closed their intensive care unit because of the shortage. The New Hampshire Hospital Association is unaware of any other bed closings. Cheryl Ann Vaillancourt is an eighteen year veteran working at Elliot Hospital. Cheryl Ann 4:04 "How has your day changed because of the shortage? It's become much busier. My focus has changed to incorporate many other entities into my day. When I started it was just me and the patient and I did everything. Now I make sure everything gets done but I don't do it. There are assistants who help." Stand up - "A recent report published by a national commission that accredits hospitals indicates that nearly one quarter of all incidents that lead to death or injury in hospital settings is a result of the nursing staff shortage." Shot of report over start of clip Sue 1-15:58 "We believe that the survey was right on. Nurses are not able to be there for the patients to improve their outcome. Truly, if we could get more nurses into the hospitals, it would improve patient outcome." Narr 6 - That report represents only hospitals. Sue 1-17:10 - "We also believe this is true for home care and long term care because those nurses are paid less, so the problem may be worse." Jim 11:45 "We're going to have a public health crises on our hands." Narr 7 - James McCarthy is Dean of The School of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. It's one of five schools in the state where nurses are educated. Jim 10:15 "It's an issue that we can see where it's going. We have two trends that are contributing to the situation that will be very difficult for us to handle. First is that our population is aging, we know that we they'll need nursing services. We also know how many nurses are being trained are and these two trends are on a collision course." Narr 8 - Training more nurses seems like a solution. However, that in it self is not enough because there's also a shortage of nursing faculty. Those who are qualified to teach are often attracted to higher paying positions. Jim 5:40 "We have more students than we can handle right now. There's a waiting list of 40 undergrads who we cannot accommodate because of the faculty shortage and because of the high costs of financing it. It's very expensive to produce high level of education because of the teacher-student ratio. Narr 9 - That ratio, in clinical settings, is one faculty member for every eight nursing students. Jim 7:23 "And that's simply regulated. There's no flexibility on our part." Narr 10 - A federal bill, recently signed into law may offer some relief. It's called the Nurse Reinvestment Act, and it makes recruitment and education a priority. Sue 1-12:00 "It provides money for nursing education programs and makes it easier to provide loans for nurses who want to get advanced degrees. Also, it provides programs for nursing education and recruitment." Joanne Welch, Elliot 1-19:25 "We have recruited from other places because they hear that we have a strong focus on education. We feel that's very important." Narr 11 - With the rapid development of new drugs, technologies and medical procedures, on-going education for nurses is crucial. It can be an attractive incentive for recruitment and retention, as well. Joanne Welch - 1-17:20 "One of the things we've done here is focus on education at a time when many nurses feel like they don't have the time to advance their education, we've helped them with that. In collaboration with UNH, we have an on-site program for any RN with an associates degree who would like to go on to get their bachelors degree." Dissolve to nursing camp graduation Montage of quick clips from students about the experience Cheryl Ann 1-9:13 "At the end of the day there are few days when you don't feel as though you've made a difference. At some level we make a difference everyday and that's the message we need to get out there." Narr 12 - Recognizing the value of the nursing profession may be the easy task. Dealing with the known variables that have lead to the shortage may prove to be tougher. Jim 11:50 "The good news is that we are aware of it. On the other hand, there's no guarantee we're going to use that information to prevent what's coming." Narr 13 - For NH Outlook, I'm Phil Vaughn. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining me to talk more about the nursing crisis, Dr. Sue Fetzer - nurse, educator and President, NH Nurses Association and Sheri Cosme - senior nursing student at UNH. POINT OF DISCUSSION Sue - How are patients in NH being affected? - Have hospital beds closed as a result of the shortage? - What has the shortage done regarding nurse retainment? - Nurse Reinvestment Act - Fed bill to provide $ for education. - Financial costs to NH hospitals? - Where do we need to go in order to avoid crises? - What advice do you give to Cheryl and other like her? -are an equal number of men and Cheryl - What attracted you to the nursing profession? - What opportunities will this shortage create for you? - How do you envision your career? |
| Intro Mold Return to index of stories... |
Turning now to another health-related subject. It's as common as the air we breathe. But lawsuits, task forces and interest groups are all multiplying because of it. It's got some people so scared that they're burning down their homes to get rid of it. Sylvia Gomes separates fact from fiction on this story about the fungus among us. |
| Mold Return to index of stories... |
NATS: Kids laughing V/O: All Heather Fisk wanted was a yard where her children could play. She knew she wasn't getting a mansion when she rented this mobile home on pumpkin hollow road in Barrington. But it is a place where she can plant a garden and her children can ride their bikes. NATS: "I'm very neat I try to be." V/O: Fisk's landlord agreed to compensate her and her husband for repairs. But the two weren't prepared for this: a parasite called mold. NATS: Trees ruffling V/O: Mold has been around for millions of years. The fungus is found everywhere, outdoors and in. Standup #1: Outside it helps break down dead vegetation. You can find it in cheese, bread and beer. It's even used to make penicillin. V/O: Molds develop from spores, tiny, invisible seeds that travel through air and need little more than warmth and moisture to form colonies that digest foods such as wood, paper and drywall. NATS: Water running Mold loves the modern world. One reason for the growing mold problem stems from advances in building technology. Experts say a few spots in the bathroom or basement are nothing to be alarmed about. But in today's tightly sealed, energy efficient buildings, a small leak can cause a big problem. Alan Borner runs a New Hampshire Based organization called Healthy Indoor Environment. It's a national program working towards understanding mold. BORNER: IF IN THE HOME OR THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT, WATER HAS SOMEHOW GOTTEN IN, MAYBE THE WALL BOARD THAT WAS SHIPPED, ARRIVED WET, AND THAT WAS INSTALLED AND THE MOLD GROWS WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING IT, INTERSTICIOUSLY, BETWEEN THE WALLS. SO IT CAN BE GOING ON BEHIND SOMEONE'S BACK WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING IT FOR YEARS. HEATHER: "Over here there's no ventilation near the stove area. They had cut it, blocked it off." V/O:. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, or HVACS, can reduce moisture in the air. But they can also be the source of the problem. BORNER: WE AS HUMANS NEED THREE CHANGES OF AIR PER HOUR, AND WHEN WE DON'T GET THAT, DISEASE IS PROMOTED. IN MANY CASES THE HVAC SYSTEMS ARE NOT MAINTAINED. SO THEY'RE TAKING KIND OF STALE AIR AND REMOVING THEM TO THE OUTSIDE AT BEST BUT THEY'RE CERTAINLY N0T EXCHANGING AIR. V/O: Most molds are harmless. Of the more than 300,000 species of mold, only about seven are considered toxic. Borner says brief exposure to toxic mold isn't necessarily harmful. But some people have reported severe reactions like deafness, coughing up blood and memory loss. BORNER: IF THERE IS CONSENSUS AROUND HEALTH AFFECTS ANYWHERE IN MOLD IS THAT IT WILL CAUSE ASTHMA. THERE ARE RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MOLD. V/O: Large numbers of any airborne mold spores can also cause sinusitis. The most common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, and eye irritation. And unlike the common cold, the symptoms don't go away. HEATHER: "There don't bite that pillow. Yuck, put that up there. Come on mantha, off the floor." V/O: Health effects vary according to people's sensitivity. A level of exposure that's harmless to one person can cause severe allergic reactions in another. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the effects of mold. NATS: Come on, let's go outside. There are no governmental standards for mold exposure limits, making the potential for mold litigation enormous. According to the New York Times, American companies and insurers have spent over 30 billion dollars defending and settling mold lawsuits. BORNER: PEOPLE THINK, "YOU KNOW WHAT, IT'S AN INSURANCE PROBLEM AND THE FAT CATS ARE GOING TO GET BURNED." ITS NOT A FAT CAT ISSUE. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS EVERY AMERICAN, FROM LOW INCOME TO MODERATE INCOME TO HIGH INCOME. V/O: Most builders and landlords are not big corporations. They're people like the Fisk's landlord, David Canada. CANADA: I'M SURE THERE ARE COMPANIES THAT ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO INSURE AGAINST MOLD INJURIES AND I'M SURE THEY'RE GOING TO CHARGE MORE. IF I GET DOUBLING IN MY INSURANCE RATES THEN MY RENTS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GO UP TO COVER IT. V/O: He says he's willing to clean up the mold and any other problems Heather has in her home. CANADA: THERE'S NOTHING YET THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF. BORNER: IF SOMEONE GETS UP IN FRONT OF THE COURT AND JUDGE AND JURY ASKS WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AS A BUILDER AS AN OWNER OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING TO PROTECT THEIR CUSTOMERS ESSENTIALLY THEIR TENANTS FROM MOLD AND THEY CAN SAY THAT THEY'VE DONE NOTHING NO MAINTENANCE NO INSPECTIONS NO STUDY OF BUILDING MATERIAL AND BUILDING DESIGN THAT PERSON IS GOING TO TAKE IT ON THE CHIN AND TAKE IT IN THE POCKETBOOK. V/O: Borner says about 30 to 40 percent of all New Hampshire homes have some mold lurking behind the walls. But Harvard researchers say that number is as high as 70%. But the amount of mold may be too small to pose a problem. People who live or work in basements are most likely to report illnesses related to mold. Finding out if you have a problem is easy. BORNER: BELIEVE IT OR NOT THE BEST TECHNOLOGY IS ONES NOSE HEATHER: "As soon as you open the door you could smell the mildew its like horrible." BORNER: IN OTHER CASES IN WHICH YOU'RE SUSPECTING BY VIRTUE OF PERHAPS HEADACHES OR ASTHMATIC CONDITIONS A LOT OF WHEEZING GOING ON FOR NO REASON MORE INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED. STANDUP #2: Experts agree, however, that it's much better to get rid of mold rather than spend a lot of money trying to find out more about it. The best way to deal with it is to stop it as early as possible, by cleaning the mold with a household bleach and water solution and drying thoroughly. For more difficult cases you may have to hire a professional mold remeditor. But act carefully. BORNER: PEOPLE ARE SEEING A GOLD MINE. IN FACT THEY'RE GOING AT NOT A GOLD RUSH BUT A MOLD RUSH. PEOPLE ARE TURNING THEIR VANS FROM PLUMBING AND HEATING INTO MOLD REMEDIATION SPECIALISTS SO YOU'VE GOT TO WONDER IN WHOSE HANDS YOU REALLY ARE INTO. V/O: Legitimate mold remediators typically register with the state as a consulting firm. Find out where they've been schooled. And ask for and check at least three references. NATS: "At their ages they say, when I come up here to get clothes they say, I don't want to go to that house I don't want to be at that house." V/O: For now, Heather will be staying at her mother's. For New Hampshire Outlook, I'm Sylvia Gomes. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Former Senator Gary Hart is in the Granite State this week talking about Homeland Security in the 21st century. We'll hear from Senator Hart, Attorney General Phil McLaughlin and Thomas Trout UNH Professor of political science on the outlook for the future. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| key: health / health care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:9/20/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 16:50 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report and discussion on the nursing shortage facing the state. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Phil vaughn NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Bridget Lynch\Camp Instructor Sylvia Durette\Program Coordinator Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson, MS, RN\Elliot Hospital Sue Fetzer, PhD, RN\NH Nurses Association Cherylann Vaillancourt, RN\Elliot Hospital James McCarthy\UNH |
| key: health / health care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:9/20/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 4:55 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on Mold. It's as common as the air we breathe. But lawsuits, task forces and interest groups are all multiplying because of it. It's got some people so scared that they're burning down their homes to get rid of it. Sylvia Gomes separates fact from fiction on this story about the fungus among us. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Sylvia Gomes NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Alan Borner\Healthy Indoor Environment David Canada\Landlord Heather Fisk\Renter |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Tonight 10:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Former Senator Gary Hart is in the Granite State this week talking about Homeland Security in the 21st century. We'll hear his on the outlook for the future. Tonight at 10:30. |
| Redo Tonight 10:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. The nursing shortage, we look at the crisis new hampshire may soon be facing. Tonight at 10:30 on New Hampshire Public Television. |