Despite a series of innovative programs to solve the problem, there remains a serious shortage of health-care workers, particularly nurses, in Rhode Island. Health care and social assistance is the largest employment sector in the state, employing 75,900 people, according to an October employment report from the state Department of Labor and Training. “We’re looking at a looming public health crisis,” said Brandon Melton, senior vice president of human resources for Lifespan, which includes Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Newport Hospital. “There won’t be enough people to take care of all the baby boomers who will be going into the hospitals.” Read more…