The phlebotomists here tend to be amazing. The rest of the talent pool is..., yeah, not so great at times. We seem to have something like a 50% staffing in ultrasound technicians around here; salary, too many retirements, I don't know.
More than half of all RNs, MDs, and semi drivers plan to retire in the next decade. It is going to get interesting for sure.
I think part of it is that for many professions we hire and promote by certificates and degrees rather than skills. In the medical professions, I agree 100% with
@ultrarunner; I've seen more than a few professionals with advanced degrees that seemed to lack skills. Even in our local blood center, I've had more than a few RNs stick the heavy gauge needle all the way through the vein and out the other side, and I have big, easy veins. I don't know why it is ten times more painful going out the other side, but for me it sure feels that way.
But like anything, I think that it varies. I treasure the great ones, and avoid the others when possible.
For me, the same is true of painters, mechanics...
All the best,
Peter