HONOLULU -- The shortage of nurses in Hawaii is expected to get worse in just a few years, medical officials said.

KITV's Catherine Cruz reported that a new graduating class of nurses is set to join the workforce.

Many of the nurses said the attraction of a good paying job and a rewarding career is what motivates them, but schools in Hawaii said they can't churn out enough nurses to meet the growing demand.

Graduates at the University of Hawaii's nursing school can look forward to making $70,000 right out of college, said the Dean of Nursing for the university.

"Our students, some who graduated today, will start making as much as $70,000 without overtime. Typically in an accute care setting they are doing 12 hour shifts three days a week, so it's also attractive to individual with families," said Dean of Nursing Mary Boland.

But the program turns away a growing pool of interested applicants due to poor facilities and a lack of faculty, Boland said.

Boland said in three years 30 percent or more of Hawaii nurses are expected to retire.

She said in 2010 that number is expected to grow to 60 percent.

It's happening as more and more people get older and need care.

Graduate Lauline Acton who'd like to work in cardiac care at Queens said job security is what makes it worth while

"My husband is in the military, and we move a lot," Acton said. "It's really (nice) to have that sense of security where every (time) you move to have a job there waiting for you."

Graduate Janet Ma'ele said she wants to work in the intensive care unit at the Hawaii Medical Center and said she is glad the career she's chosen a career that pays well.

"Of course, it doesn't hurt to have that salary, but I just enjoy taking care of people -- help people in need,"

Nationwide, male nurses make up 8 percent of the nursing work force. In Hawaii, they represent 25 percent of nurses.

Graduate Ramuel Pascua said he plans to return to school as a nurse educator. He said he knows he's on the verge of great possibilities.

"I'd love to teach, and I'd like to travel -- (I'll) see what my options are," Pascua said. "It's such a flexible profession -- you can go from one department to another and still be doing nursing."