MA nursing hires climb in 2006

Massachusetts hospitals made big gains in nurse recruitment last year, according to a new survey by the state's hospital association. According to the Massachusetts Hospital Association survey, hiring climbed almost six percent during 2006, the biggest single-year growth in more than 10 years. That adds up to about 1,700 full-time RN slots. This brisk rate of hiring actually outpaced growth in patient volumes, the MHA said.

While recruitment is a complex issue, the growth in hiring can't have been hurt by the state's healthy salary levels. Average RN salaries in the state stand at $37.75 per hour, second only to California.

To find out more about the survey:
- read this Boston Business Journal article

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