RochesterWorks! Helps Hundreds in Nursing Field

The nursing shortage is being addressed with help from RochesterWorks! Since July 2002, nearly 500 area licensed practical nurses and registered nurses have been or are being trained with help from tuition funds though RochesterWorks! The New York State Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Act program has funds available through the RochesterWorks! Career Center. These funds are to help pay tuition costs for training in the nursing field. Up to $10,000 a person may be available for individuals downsized by an employer or for employed workers to advance in the field, says Carol Cavanaugh, Technical Assistance and Training Manager with RochesterWorks! "Many factors such as fewer students entering nursing programs and changing demographics are contributing to a shortage of nurses nationwide and throughout the state," Cavanaugh says. The DOL has projected an average of more than 400 openings a year for registered nurses through 2014 in the Finger Lakes Region, she adds. Call RochesterWorks! at 258-3500 to see if you qualifiy for funds to train for a new career in healthcare.

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