GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina is experiencing a significant nursing shortage, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). North Carolina is on pace to be among the top ten states with the highest nursing shortages in the next decade.
However, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is aiming to combat this issue. The university's nursing school has secured a $2.4 million grant to help address the shortage.
“There is a severe nursing shortage projected in North Carolina and across the country, so our hope is that we will increase nursing enrollment in our program by at least 56% over the next two years,” said Dr. Debra Barksdale, Dean of UNCG’s School of Nursing.
The grant will allow UNCG to hire more teachers and improve its classrooms. According to UNC'S Sheps Center, UNCG is leading the way by retaining most of its undergraduates in North Carolina to start their careers. In a world facing nursing shortages, the school’s dean says this is crucial.
“This funding allows us to hire more faculty and staff. Specifically, we plan to hire additional advisors, recruiters, program specialists, and academic coaches to help these students succeed once they are admitted,” Barksdale said.
For many students, becoming a nurse is already a stressful career path. However, during a shortage, the everyday challenges are heightened even more. Despite this, students like Issac Garcia are ready to jump in and help.
“It’s one of those situations that will offer new nurses opportunities,” Garcia said. “Maybe we’ll get kind of thrown into things a little bit faster than in the past, but I see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and excel.”
Students like Alisha Bradshaw agree. Despite the tough time to become a nurse, she said she’s ready. She’s looking forward to getting more technology and learning from even more teachers.
“I want to be the person that’s there for people when they’re at their lowest point,” Bradshaw said. “I know people go through things all the time, and if I’m in nursing, I would help people get through things they probably don’t think they can get through.”
UNCG isn’t the only school in the Triad fighting against the nursing shortage. North Carolina A&T State University also plans to invest in tutoring for prerequisite courses to help more students enroll in their nursing school.
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