The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that, for the fifth consecutive year, fewer students are enrolling in nursing colleges. Enrollment fell 4.6 percent in bachelor's programs and 1.9 percent in master's programs in the Fall of 1999.

The danger is that patient care will suffer. Specialized areas such as home care, acute care, emergency and operating rooms are particularly in need of more staff.

One observer notes that nursing needs to be made more attractive to people. In the 1980s, a federally-funded recruiting campaign convinced many to become nurses. However, it worked too well, because an oversupply developed by the mid-90s.

(Updated May 1, 2000)