A year after the Boise State
nursing department introduced its innovative new curriculum,
students have responded by continuing to apply in record
numbers. In addition, community partners have continued
funding and have expanded clinical sites. These successes,
however, may not be enough to alleviate the future shortage of
nurses, which is expected to become particularly acute in
Idaho.
For registered nurses, the
national shortage is expected to exceed 800,000 by 2020,
according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
data. The Idaho Commission on Nursing and Nursing Education
points out that the situation in Idaho is even more critical.
Demand for nurses in the Treasure Valley is expected to exceed
supply sometime between 2005 and 2007, and by 2010 the Idaho
nursing shortage is expected to reach three times the national
rate. Idaho is currently ranked 49th in the nation for
registered nurses per capita, according to U.S. Bureau of
Labor statistics.
Although current staffing
levels of nurses in Idaho are considered adequate, the future
shortage is expected as today’s nurses retire or leave the
work force, concurrent with an increasing demand for
health-care services as the U.S. population ages. Nationally
the average age of registered nurses is 44, and fewer young
people are choosing nursing as a career.
High school and college
students in Idaho, however, are seeking nursing education. Out
of about 600 qualified applicants for the next academic year,
the Boise State nursing program will admit 190 new students
— 90 in the fall semester, 90 in the spring semester and 10
in a new expedited option program beginning this summer. In
this intensive new program, 10 students will take five nursing
courses this summer so they can jump right into their second
year of nursing education in the fall, enabling them to
complete their degrees a year sooner than usual.
“The new expedited option is
just one of the creative ways we are devising to expand
nursing education opportunities and provide top-notch nurses
to Idaho communities,” said Pam Springer, chair of the Boise
State nursing department.
Like other nursing programs
across the country, Boise State’s growth is hampered by lack
of funding, faculty, facilities and clinical sites where
students can obtain valuable hands-on clinical experience.
“Nursing care is vital to the
health and welfare of everyone in Idaho,” said Boise State
College of Health Sciences Dean James Girvan. “The
university must partner with community stakeholders to seek
solutions to shortages.
“As the population of Idaho
ages, demand for health care is expected to increase sharply,
creating shortages in many health-care specialties and raising
possible concerns about patient safety and adequate care.
Together with heath-care providers we must advocate for
legislation and funding at both national and state levels,
secure community support and affirm industry improvements to
retain more health-care professionals.”
Five Treasure Valley
medical centers responded last year by pledging $60,000 a year
for two years to both Boise State and Idaho State University,
to expand the development and delivery of nursing programs.
The medical centers — St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center,
St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center,
West Valley Medical Center and the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation
Hospital — recently renewed their donation for next year.
Boise State used the $60,000 this year to hire additional
faculty.
The nursing department has also
found support from more community agencies willing to serve as
clinical sites. Beyond traditional placements in hospitals and
doctors’ offices, the nursing department has arranged
clinical assignments for students in outpatient health care
settings, shelters, prisons, day cares, youth clubs, schools,
assisted living facilities and more.
These placements fit in well
with the community-based nursing philosophy that the
department has integrated throughout its curriculum.
Community-based nursing delivers health promotion, disease
prevention and wellness care in community and cultural
settings where people live and work.
Response by community
businesses and individuals will also be essential in
addressing the nursing shortage. For example, Friends of
Nursing, a volunteer group in support of nursing education at
Boise State, seeks community partnerships to provide
scholarships, research grants and other programs.
As more solutions to the future
shortage are explored, the Boise State nursing department
will continue doing its part as
the largest provider of nursing education in Idaho. On May 17,
Boise State will award bachelor of science and associate of
science degrees to 141 registered nursing students who are
ready to meet the health-care needs of Idaho residents.
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Contact
Pam Springer
Nursing department
208 426-3600
Media contact
Pat Pyke
communications and marketing
208 426-1987
