ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As most people in the medical field already know, nurses are in demand nearly everywhere.
"There’s definitely a lack of nurses and a high demand for them nationally," said Shevette Batts, St. Petersburg Free Clinic Director.
This makes it difficult to find nurses willing to volunteer at places like free clinics.
"Most of our patients are the socio-economic, distressed population," said Batts.
The St. Petersburg Free Clinic provides general practitioner care and more than 9,000 services for people without insurance.
"We wouldn’t be able to do it without our volunteers," said Batts.
Most of the clinic from the doctors to the staff are all volunteers, but the lack of nurses means fewer patients they can see.
"The nurses are the ones who see the patients first, who get the vital signs and make sure the labs are here. Without that we wouldn’t have a role for the physicians because we need the nursing support," said Dr. Susan Beaven, a physician who volunteers at the clinic.
If you’re a nurse licensed in the state of Florida and are looking to volunteer, call the St. Petersburg Free Clinic at 727-237-0333 and ask to speak with Doug.
