The nursing shortage in North Carolina continues to escalate, and Meredith College is stepping up to address the issue by launching a new nursing programme aimed at training nurses to help bridge this critical gap.
Starting this autumn, Meredith College will welcome its inaugural cohort of nursing students. The programme is designed to target the growing demand for nurses in the state, an issue that North Carolina’s Programme Director, Michelle Hartman, has observed closely.
“It’s projected that North Carolina will become the fifth state with the highest nursing shortage,” Hartman explained.
According to projections by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), the state could face a shortage of 12,500 registered nurses by 2033.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened the existing shortage. A survey conducted by the American Nurses Foundation and the American Nurses Association in March 2022 revealed that 52% of nurses had considered quitting their jobs due to staffing issues, as well as the negative impact of their work on their health and ability to provide quality care.
In response to this challenge, Meredith College is launching North Carolina’s first undergraduate nursing programme in Raleigh. The college has partnered with renowned healthcare providers such as UNC Rex, WakeMed, Duke Raleigh, and Wake County Health and Human Services to ensure that students will receive the highest standard of clinical training.
Hartman is enthusiastic about the new programme, highlighting the college’s commitment to training highly skilled nurses capable of delivering exceptional care and addressing the healthcare needs of the state.
“We are proud to be the first nursing programme in Raleigh, and we have a wealth of clinical resources at our disposal,” Hartman said.
Additionally, the college has plans to develop a state-of-the-art nursing facility in the coming years. Hartman emphasised that the programme would incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, into the curriculum to further enhance students’ learning experiences.
“We are on the cusp of integrating advanced technologies like virtual and augmented reality into our nursing education,” she added.
Hartman expects to enrol 25 women in the programme’s inaugural class, who will be trained to become registered nurses ready to help alleviate the nursing shortage in North Carolina.
“Meredith College is dedicated to fostering the success of strong women and supporting them throughout their journey to a rewarding career in healthcare,” Hartman concluded.
Key Statistics:
- Nursing Shortage in North Carolina: Projected to face a shortage of 12,500 registered nurses by 2033.
- Increased Demand: 52% of nurses considered quitting during the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing shortages and the negative impact of their work on health and quality care.
- First Nursing Programme in Raleigh: Meredith College’s inaugural nursing programme is the first of its kind in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Related Information: The national nursing shortage has been a growing concern, with many states struggling to attract and retain qualified nurses. As the demand for healthcare services rises, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing programmes such as Meredith College’s are becoming increasingly crucial in addressing the gap. Through innovative partnerships and the integration of modern technology, the programme is poised to make a significant impact on the state’s healthcare system and provide much-needed relief to the nursing workforce.