An independent group of healthcare leaders has recentlyasked the Bush administration to hold hearings to address the current andimpending shortage of nurses and physicians. 

A total of 30,000 more nurses need to graduate annuallyin order fix the shortage, according to the Council on Physician and NurseSupply, a nationwide consortium of healthcare professionals. It cites figuresfrom the American Association of Colleges of Nursing showing that at least30,000 prospective nursing students were turned away in 2006 due to a lack offaculty.  

The group, which is based at the University ofPennsylvania, maintains that America needs to re-evaluate the way in whichnurses and doctors are educated to ensure the country has the healthcareprofessionals it needs. The shrinking interest in geriatrics and gerontology isof special concern to the long-term care providers.