From the American Hospital Association News:
Admissions to pre-licensure nursing programs fell by 2% in 2008, the first decline in at least six years, according to the latest annual survey by the National League for Nursing. Nearly one-quarter of U.S. nursing programs received more qualified applicants than they could accept due to shortages of faculty, clinical placements or classroom space. “This study points to the inextricable connection between the economy, nursing education and the need to reform our health care delivery system,” said Pamela Rudisill, president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, an AHA subsidiary.