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Nursing Industry Virtual First Aid

While job seekers continue to pay close attention to a weakening economy and job security, the nursing field is not so concerned. In fact, there is currently a critical shortage of nurses in the U.S. by approximately 44,000 positions. Furthermore, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1.2 million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2014 -- and government analysts project that more than 703,000 new RN positions will be created through 2014. With the launch of NurseAuction.com, the new Web site anticipates filling both the current and projected void. "The site is based on the law of supply and demand," says company founder, Dr. Yomi Olusanya. "There's obviously an enormous need for nurses. However, many nurses are leaving the field because they are overworked and underpaid." NurseAuction.com, Dr. Olusanya notes, is designed to provoke interest in the nursing field, increase the retention of nurses by compensating them for their worth, and set a trading floor that will determine market prices for nurse shifts. "It's a win-win situation for both nurses and employers across the country," Dr. Olusanya states. "Nurses can set minimum bids and select the shifts they prefer to work. Employers can fill the gaps in their nursing rotations with qualified, eager nurses." So how does NurseAuction.com work? The site features live auctions in which nurses actually open personal bids based on available dates to work. They also request bids from employers starting at a minimum rate. A rating system ranks nurses based on professionalism and reliability. Employers who bid must offer detailed information about jobs, including nurse-to-bed ratio, computerized medical records and whether orientation is required.