According to a report by Health Resources and Services Administration, 30 states currently have shortages of registered nurses (RNs). The shortage is expected to intensify over next two decades, with 44 states expected to have RN shortages by year 2020. Furthermore, demand for nurses in 2012 is expected to be 2.9 million, up from 2.3 million that were needed in 2003.

There has never been a more appropriate time to pursue a career in nursing in United States. The total job openings, including new jobs and replacing nurses who no longer are practicing, will be more than 1.1 million from 2002 to 2012.

The main reasons for high demand of nurses in this country include an 18 percent growth in population, an aging, health-obsessed baby boomer population, and extended lifespans. According to a report released in May of 2001 by Nursing Institute at University of Illinois College of Nursing, ratio of potential caregivers to people most likely to need care—the elderly population—will decrease by 40 percent between 2010 and 2030.

The problem is one of simple supply and demand. Demand for nurses will grow by 40 percent by year 2020, while supply of nurses will increase by only 6 percent over same period. The aging population of nurses in this country is another factor. The median age of nurses continues to increase, and a large wave of retirements is unavoidable.

In August of 2002, Nursing Reinvestment Act of 2002 was signed by President Bush to address problem of our nation’s nursing shortage. It was intended to promote people to enter and remain in nursing careers, thus helping to lighten growing nursing shortage. The law establishes scholarships, loan repayments, public service announcements, retention grants, career ladders, geriatric training grants and loan cancellation for nursing faculty. Funding for these programs is provided through 2007 by law.

To address growing needs of today’s population, at least one college in particular is offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees to motivated individuals interested in nursing/healthcare arena. Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is one of original accredited universities to offer online college education with complete degree programs by use of Internet. It is nation’s largest accredited university, with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 170 campuses and Internet delivery worldwide.

University of Phoenix offers two Nursing/Health Care undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN license required) and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Services (BCHCS). The graduate degrees in same field are: Master of Science in Nursing (RN license required), Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (RN license required) and Master of Science in Nursing/MBA/Health Care Management (RN license required).

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Summary: Most people fail in their careers because of leadership deficiencies. A key reason for their failure is they continually and unknowingly keep falling into two leadership traps. The author describes traps and how to get out of them.

Two Leadership Traps: How To Avoid Them. How To Get Out Of them (Part 2) by Brent Filson

Here's how to get out of, or avoid, "I need ... " trap. It simply involves changing what you think and what you say in very simple ways.

In my working with leaders worldwide for more than two decades, I've noticed a character trait that most successful share: They focus consistently on understanding and supporting people whom they lead.

For instance, you could say, "You need ..." which is a good way out. Or, you could say, "The team needs ... " which is a better way out.

Or, you could say, "Do you need? ..." Which is best way out, especially with a question mark attached. A corollary to this question is, "What do you need from me to help you get team to succeed?"

Asking a question rather than using a declarative is often more effective because it gets people reflecting upon their situation. After all, we can't motivate anyone to do anything. They have to motivate themselves. And they best motivate themselves when they reflect on their character and their situation.

A question can trigger such reflection and ultimately lead to their making choice to be motivated to be your cause leader. You may not like answer; but often their answer, no matter what it is, can better lead to more results being achieved than your declaration can.