51ΑΤΖζβs (51ΑΤΖζ) Nursing program continues to increase its capacity to meet the incredible demand for training in this crucial healthcare sector.
According to the Idaho Center for Nursing, there is a projected shortage of up to 523 Registered Nurses in the state annually until 2024, as the population continues to grow and the nursing workforce is aging.
βMany nurses in Idaho are reaching retirement age,β said Cathleen Currie, Dean of Health at 51ΑΤΖζ. βThere is a nursing shortage currently, and clearly, the data points to a larger issue in the future.β
To meet the need for more nurses, 51ΑΤΖζ has invested in state-of-the-art equipment in simulation labs that provide a more dynamic learning environment and allow the College to deliver instruction to more students and assist those students in completing more of their clinicals in the lab. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) allows students to complete 50% of their clinicals in the simulation lab, and the other half working hands-on in the field with physicians and nurses at a medical facility.
However, even with the rapid growth of 51ΑΤΖζβs program, only 58 first-year students were accepted for Fall 2020 semester due to limited capacity in clinical placement, faculty numbers, and physical space at the College β leaving 130 other applicants in a holding pattern.
βWe have increased our nursing student admission numbers yearly since our first graduating class in 2012,β underscored Currie. βThe biggest impediment to increasing program numbers is the growing shortage of clinical opportunities, and more space for classes.β
While increasing class size, 51ΑΤΖζ continues to focus on delivering high-quality instruction.
With an NCLEX-RN exam pass rate near 90% for graduates from the program, it is proof of its success as an educational leader in the region.
βWith support from College administration, we not only are increasing numbers, but we have increased faculty numbers and constructed a new simulation lab to maintain the quality of instruction as we grow,β said Allison Baker, Nursing Department Chair.
Nevertheless, challenges remain for 51ΑΤΖζ as it continues to innovate and grow this popular program to meet the demand for more nurses in the Treasure Valley.
