We seem to be seeing the tide turn in how organizations approach the nursing shortage. In the initial panic period, we saw hospitals offer unheard-of sign-on bonuses, aiming for a quick fix to the problem. Certainly, such bonuses had some effect, but it was more like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic than trying to right the ship.

Now we are beginning to see long-term solutions that address some of the real issues. Salaries have begun to increase, as has pay for off-shift and weekend work. Employers are offering more referral bonuses to their employees, understanding that keeping them satisfied is equally or more important than recruiting new staff. Additionally, employees brought into an organization on the recommendation of a staff member tend to stay longer and be better workers.

And who would have ever thought that hospitals would help nurses with home ownership? But that's exactly what's happening in some parts of the country. Although many hospitals have long offered tuition reimbursement, now they are facilitating nurses in advancing their education by bringing the courses to the nurses and/or offering employees a flexible schedule to allow them to attend classes.

But there's still a long way to go. Nurses want input into their practice, opportunities to influence decisions in their organizations and in the care of patients, and work environments that are free of violence, discrimination and sexual harassment. They also want more respect from management, as well as recognition for the work they do.

Speaking of recognition, it is our pleasure to reveal the names of the finalists in NURSEWEEK's 2002 South Central Nursing Excellence Awards. From more than 300 nominations, 48 nurses have been named finalists in eight categories. Personal, organizational and geographic identifiers were removed from the nominations submitted, which then were reviewed and scored by experienced nurses from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, who served as judges.

The finalists will be invited to attend a celebration of nursing and an awards event Nov. 15 in Dallas, where we will honor them and recognize their work. We also will announce one winner in each category.

The Nursing Excellence Awards is one way that NURSEWEEK helps recognize the outstanding contributions nurses make to their patients, each other and our profession. We challenge organizations and nurses to find similar ways to tell nurses that their efforts are recognized and appreciated.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.