Workshop aims to attract best nurses

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The nationwide nursing shortage is forcing hospitals to look at different ways to attract the best of the best in the field.

The National Magnet Nursing workshop , meant to persuade nurses to come to certain hospitals, is underway in Austin this week at Seton Hosptial.

Hospitals know nurses are in demand. It is also a fact that makes administrators compete for top-quality women and men in the profession.

Those at the top of the field are in Austin to find out how to get "the best" at their facilities by becoming a magnet hospital.

"Magnet is an indicator to the public and to nurses and health care providers of quality nursing care,” said Toni Rowin, a nurse at Seton Hospital . “So, we hope that this will raise awareness."

Magnet is the only national award that recognizes nurses.

Nurses from around the country have come together to make sure the next generation of nurses or prospects know that they are offering the latest innovations and technology. They are here to learn more about Magnet accredidation.

"So, in order to be at the top of our game as nurses, we have to continue to be educated to be involved with other nurses, other hospitals, other organizations, so we can pull out the best practice," said Victoria England, with Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

Studies show the demand for nurses is expected to increase 3 percent each year for the next decade, but there are even bigger problems the profession has to address.

"This is due to expanding health care coverage,” Rowin said. “The fact that our nursing population is getting older and we don't have as many young people entering nursing as what we have leaving nursing."

Seton has four facilities that are designated Magnet Hospitals.