FAIR PAY ONE KEY TO ENDING SHORTAGE OF NURSES.(MAIN)

Byline: THOMAS Y. HOBART, JR. President New York State United Teachers Albany

It's about time that hospital CEOs are taking serious steps to address the nursing shortage, which has reached epidemic proportions and threatens the health and safety of patients. (``Hospitals face crisis in care,'' Jan. 11).

While federal and state intervention can boost hospital revenues, the best -- and most immediate -- remedy for the nursing shortage is better pay, good benefits and humane work schedules.

New York State United Teachers, which represents nurses and other health-care professionals, also believes part of the solution lies in forming partnerships of …