A 12-hour shift is the norm rather than the exception for nurses at LBJ Hospital.
It’s been like that for several years and there’s no indication that nurses will return to a normal 8 hour shift anytime soon.
Such is the state of the nursing shortage in the territory.
According to Director of Nursing at LBJ Hospital Simamao Tuatoo, as nurses age and retire, the intake of new nurses falls far below the number needed to replace them.
She said 50 new nurses is what the hospital needs to fill the nursing shortage.
She told KHJ News that some of the nurses who are working in the clinics now are retirees who have returned to work because they’re needed; some are in their late seventies.
The Nursing Director said she wished there was the same kind of attraction to nursing here as in Smaoa, where the National University of Samoa recently graduated about 80 nurses.
A House of Representatives hearing into the nursing shortage brought out that there’s no problem attracting local students interested in nursing but the challenge is finding instructors to teach then at the college.
The head of the ASCC Nursing Program, Lele Ah Mu, said it’s difficult finding instructors because of a shortage of nurses.
Another factor is salaries. Potential instructors are paid much more in their current positions at LBJ and Department of Health than what ASCC offers.
As the celebration of Nurses Week continues, outstanding nurses were presented awards yesterday.
Elaine Maulupe and Siapo Ino were recognized for 20 years of service.
Mayper Ledua received Unit Manager of the Year Award.
Monika Iosefa, Faafetai Ifopo and Tiffany Taumua were honored for passing the NCLEX registered Nurse Exam.
Stella Thompon, Decima Sele, Shamarte Evagelia, Ianeta Suani Siaosi, Nelma Godinet and Theresa Maae were honored for passing the Licensed Practical Nursing Exam.
Those recognized for certification in Clinical Hemodialysis were Courtney Jungblut, Sivoki Niumatauwalu, Alofa Togia, Aloalii Tupua and Florence Moliga.
Awards were also presented to outstanding nurses in each clinic and nurses who have gone beyond the call of duty.
