Overworked and Underpaid

Wendy Fonger has been a registered nurse for more than 23 years.

"I switched to a managerial position several years ago because I didn't want to be on my feet all day, every day and the hours are more flexible," said Fonger, 58, of Sykesville Maryland.

Over the years she has seen and felt the changes in nursing homes and hospitals. Nurses are overworked and underpaid, she says, making it difficult for many facilities to give all of the residents the care they deserve. Fonger also says that while the money in a managerial position is better, it is less rewarding than floor nursing.

"I enjoyed working one on one with residents on a daily basis; helping them learn how they can help take care of themselves, speaking up for them when something needed to be changed, definitely more satisfying," Fonger said.

While nurses are essential, the field is still feeling the effects of the economic crisis.