"Part of the problem is that Americans just plain do not want to do the work."

[bhikkhu]

80. A friend of mine worked as an RN, then transferred to a nurse-practitioner program

..after two years and all the training and internship he settled back into an RN position. The money was as good and the hours were better. Now after 8 years of that (and saving pretty sensibly) he's throttling back and planning for an early retirement. Lucky guy, but he was also very smart and worked very hard.

We have a good medical college in my area and plenty of people I know have gone into nursing; its a good job, the money is good, and the jobs aren't hard to find, especially if you don't mind travelling. Myself, I was encouraged to go into it but I just couldn't, I feel drained enough after a few hours of dealing with people who are well, and not particularly demanding. It takes a certain kind of person. I fix mechanical stuff, and find that pretty relaxing.