Many of the nurses I know are having their hours scaled back. These people aren't working in rural areas, but major hospitals that are among the best in the world. Some specialties are less affected than others. Lately, there seems to be almost a 50% increase in patient load compared to previous years.

Good luck.

My aunt is a very experienced nurse in Toronto Canada and she is being forced to cut at least 1 shift per month from her schedule, as well as every other nurse in her hospital, cost cutting measures.

Longbow, I'm sorry to say this, but a shift per month is no big deal to me, but I've never been to Toronto so... but what I'm saying is, the last time I evaluated my "expenses" in Toronto, I have more than enough for my need in one month's salary so a 1-shift decrease isn't too big a hit.

I do agree with you guys though. It's very confusing. Everybody I know (and I have a few cousins in California) says they "NEED" nurses, but they aren't hiring, and the current employees are being probed and poked to see how much they can take before crying "foul!"