I recently read an article in the New York Daily News which stated that the nursing crisis was the worst that has been seen in over 50 years.

This is not a shock but to be expected. I graduated nursing school over 20 years ago from Villanova University. After graduating I worked at a large New York City hospital and thought to myself then, the expectations and the pay where not by any means on the same level. But young and unexperienced, I carried on in my daily shifts. The sick calls were not replaced, the staff was starting to be decreased and thus the expected level of care and paperwork were overburdening then without any resolve.

This nursing shortage has been looming for quite a while. Now the shock of the shortage of nurses. Most nurses I know would never go back to a hospital because of the pay, staffing and unrealistic work expectations. It is not safe and your license is on the line every day.

Now you or your loved one need to be admitted to a hospital. You are alarmed when your bell is not answered for a few minutes or you ask for medication and need to wait until the nurse has finished with possibly the other 20 or so patients she/he is responsible for depending on the shift.

Families are expected to help and care for themselves or their loved one while in the hospital. I have had countless individuals tell me they stay around the clock to make sure their loved one is safe and comfortable.

Times have certainly changed with no resolution to these problems in the near future. So you ask yourself, what can I do? You need to take care of yourself and have your loved ones do the same. Most illnesses are preventable by living healthy lifestyles. Be proactive and not reactive to your health You have control over 70 percent of your health. Invest in Yourself today and take control over you, your health and your wealth.

Patricia McGowan RN,BSN,CSHE is a graduate of Villanova University. She is a wellness specialist, motivational speaker and president of IIY,LLC an Integrated Wellness Consulting Company. The website is http://www.IIYHealth.com