UA Tackles Nursing Crisis With Strategy To Increase Graduates
As Tuscaloosa Thread reported last fall, Alabama is facing a serious nursing shortage. It is considered one of the worst in the nation with a deficit of 14,000 nurses projected by 2027. The culprit is burnout and low wages in both urban and rural medical care.
Understaffing was exacerbated by the pandemic and has continued to impact medical centers statewide. But the University of Alabama's school of nursing is ramping up to do something about it.
A transformative plan to double the enrollment of the Capstone College of Nursing and graduate more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor’s program was announced today.
“This announcement reflects The University of Alabama’s commitment to all 67 counties of Alabama,” UA President Peter J. Mohler said in a press release. “Every community in our state — rural and urban — depends on a strong, stable nursing workforce. This expansion is possible because of our deep partnerships with our public leaders across Alabama who share our vision for improving health outcomes and strengthening the future of our state.”
In the last three years UA has experienced a 55% increase in graduate nursing programs and 25% in undergraduate.
The newly announced expansion plan would take the nursing school from the current 1,704 students to 3,436 by 2030. That would lead to graduating more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor’s program.
UA will also work with UAB Health System to increase the number of clinical placement opportunities for UA students.
The UA System Board of Trustees recently approved plans for a physical expansion of the College to aid in student and faculty growth. The expansion will renovate more than 31,000 square feet of existing space and add 50,100 more. It includes research space, classrooms, state-of-the-science simulation labs, offices and other support services to develop future nurses.
Current plans also include a pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard connecting the College with DCH Regional Medical Center where many students earn valuable clinical experiences.
“This initiative reflects the strength of The University of Alabama System and our commitment to improving the lives of Alabamians,” UA System Chancellor Sid Trant said in the press release.
Dr. Julie Sanford, dean of the Capstone College of Nursing added that “This bold vision for enrollment growth is essential to addressing Alabama’s pressing workforce shortage and will transform health care in our state.”
More information is available at nursing.ua.edu.
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