Latest news with #CollegeofNursingandHealthProfessions
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania may be short 20,000 nurses by 2026
Imagine nearly every seat in Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center − over 20,000 seats − are empty. That's the scale of Pennsylvania's projected shortfall of registered nurses by 2026, according to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Hospitals in the state report an average 14% vacancy rate for registered nurses. In rural areas it is much higher. This shortage, of course, is not just in hospitals. It also affects long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics and home health agencies, which compete with hospitals for a limited pool of registered nurses, licensed nursing professionals and nursing support staff. We are a senior associate dean of nursing and clinical professor of nursing at Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions in Philadelphia, and a dean and professor of nursing at Duquesne University's School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. We know that the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania, while not the worst in the U.S., is severe and jeopardizes the health care that patients receive. Pennsylvania's nursing shortage is the result of long-standing issues in education, workforce retention and health care delivery. Education bottlenecks: Nursing schools in Pennsylvania and nationwide turn away thousands of qualified applicants each year due to faculty shortages, limited classroom space and scarce clinical placements. More than 65,000 qualified applications were turned away from U.S. nursing programs in 2023 alone, according to a report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. A key issue is the lack of preceptors. Preceptors are experienced nurses who teach students in real-world settings. A shortage of preceptors directly limits how many students can complete their education. Aging workforce: More than a third of Pennsylvania's registered nurses are 55 or older. This demographic reality means many are nearing retirement. Burnout and attrition: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened already high levels of stress, burnout and mental health strain for nurses. Many left the profession early due to emotional exhaustion, family and personal health concerns, unsafe staffing ratios, moral injury and lack of institutional support. Uneven distribution: While Pennsylvania may have a sufficient number of licensed nurses on paper, those nurses don't all still work in the profession. And among those that do, they are not evenly spread across roles or locations. Rural hospitals, long-term care centers, behavioral health settings and maternal-child health units are experiencing acute shortages. For patients and their families, the consequences of the nursing shortage are delayed care, fewer interactions with providers and less time for compassionate, personalized support. Overextended nurses face increased workloads, raising the likelihood of delayed interventions, medication errors and inadequate patient education. These factors undermine quality of care. Limited access to nursing care can increase hospital deaths, infections and readmissions, reduce early detection of health issues, and slow the response to life-threatening conditions such as stroke, sepsis and cardiac arrest. In Pennsylvania, patients may experience longer emergency room wait times, delayed discharges or transfers to nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, and service disruptions in rural and underserved areas. Over 600,000 registered nurses across the U.S. plan to leave the workforce by 2027, according to a 2023 analysis by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Many cite stress as their reason for leaving the profession. New graduates often leave within their first two years, feeling unprepared for the emotional and operational realities of practice. In Pennsylvania, the shortage has created a feedback loop. Understaffing increases pressure on those who remain. A 2023 National Council of State Boards of Nursing survey found that 41% of nurses under age 35 reported feeling emotionally drained. Meanwhile, some experienced nurses choose to retire early or shift into nonclinical roles for better schedules, slower pace and improved quality of life. This turnover erodes institutional knowledge, increases costs for onboarding and overtime, and limits the capacity to mentor incoming staff. To help address the problem, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in March 2025 proposed a US$5 million Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. If approved by the General Assembly, the program would cover tuition costs for nursing students who commit to working in Pennsylvania hospitals for three years after graduation. HB 390 is also currently under review in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It aims to establish a $1,000 tax deduction for licensed nurses who serve as clinical preceptors. To meet the growing demand for nurses, Pennsylvania hospitals are partnering with colleges and universities to expand clinical training capacity, streamline pathways into nursing and develop innovative education models such as hybrid and accelerated programs. Hospitals statewide are also offering substantial sign-on bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, housing stipends and flexible scheduling to attract nurses. To improve nurse retention, health care organizations have introduced structured residency programs, mentorship networks and clear career advancement pathways designed to reduce burnout and enhance professional satisfaction. They are also increasingly using virtual nursing, telehealth services and AI-driven administrative tools to reduce nurses' workloads, enhance patient interactions and address staffing gaps. And some Philadelphia and Pennsylvania colleges offer refresher and license reactivation programs for retired or inactive nurses who want to rejoin the workforce. Duquesne offers a nurse faculty residency to increase the number of high-quality nursing faculty. Continuing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs are another solution. These federal grants, reauthorized under the March 2020 CARES Act, help fund nursing pathways and the availability of high-quality nursing care for patients nationwide. On April 1, 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to restructure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the future status of these programs is not yet known. Research consistently demonstrates that care provided by nurses who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher directly leads to better patient outcomes, improved safety and overall health. A commitment to shoring up the nurse pipeline in Pennsylvania is a commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities across the state. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kymberlee Montgomery, Drexel University and Mary Ellen Smith Glasgow, Duquesne University Read more: How the hidden epidemic of violence against nurses affects health care The US doesn't have enough faculty to train the next generation of nurses School nurses have a big job – is 1 for every 750 kids really enough? Board Member for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The views, analyses, and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or positions of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Kymberlee Montgomery does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Business news: Doctor relocates; Legacy Foundation leader to speak; IUN career event
Dr. Kumari Singh, a family medicine physician, is now seeing patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, in Valparaiso, a release said. Existing appointments have been moved to the new Valparaiso location, the release said. Singh completed medical school at Windsor University School of Medicine at St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, and completed her residency at the University of North Dakota Bismarck in Bismarck. In addition to the new Valparaiso location, Singh will continue to see patients at Coolspring Health Center, 1225 East Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. For more information, call 219-307-4750. The Crown Point Rotary Club will host Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation, at the club's weekly luncheon at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday at Youche Country Club, 2301 W. 129th Place, Crown Point, a release said. Since joining Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation, in 2014, Anoe has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that support local communities, the release said. She also serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Public Policy Committee. The event offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about philanthropy's role in local development, the release said. For more information or to RSVP, contact Joseph Skibbie at jskibbie@ The Indiana University Northwest Office of Career Services will host the 21st Annual Community Employment and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11, according to a release. The event will take place at the Savannah Center Gymnasium at the Gary campus, 3400 Broadway. Call 219-980-6650 for information. Those attending should dress professionally and bring resumes, the release said. Employers interested in participating should contact Diava Carter, Director of Career Services, careernw@ Dr. Elizabeth Gmitter is the new Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University, according to a release. Gmitter's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the College of Nursing and Health Professions embarks on a transformative campaign to build a state-of-the-art health professions facility, the release said. Previously, Gmitter served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Career Programs at Malcolm X College in Chicago, where she led more than 20 healthcare programs, including 12 with specialized accreditation, the release said. The campaign for the new health professions facility will focus on securing funding, engaging alumni and community partners, and developing an innovative learning environment. For more information, visit The Gary Community School Corp. has announced the addition of Renita Craig to its academic team as Director of Curriculum and Assessment, according to a release. Craig's career experience includes serving as a junior high and elementary principal, assistant principal, special education director and high school special education teacher. Craig holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis, a master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University, the release said. For the latest district news, visit The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest has opened applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Northwest Indiana program, a release said. The program, facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from the PNW's College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, plans to meet monthly from September to May 2026. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life, the release said. To view more information about the program and registration, visit The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. More information can be found online at or by contacting the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@ Children and their families are invited to the free Safe Kids Day Saturday at the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W Burrell Drive, Crown Point, according to a release. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. Families will learn more about bike and helmet safety, child passenger safety, stranger danger, pediatric dental care, fire safety, pet safety, medication safety, the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, safe sleeping, breastfeeding, water safety and more, the release said. Families can also attend the 'Tim Hanning: Pro Kids Show' at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Hanning's award-winning show connects with kids through magic, comedy, music, puppets and audience involvement, the release said. Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana in partnership with sponsors Franciscan Health Crown Point, the Dean & Barbara White YMCA, Franciscan Health Trauma Services and Cleveland-Cliffs. Adam Lange, a staff accountant at CLH, CPAs & Consultants, recently earned the Certified Valuation Analyst credential from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, according to a release. To achieve the CVA designation, Lange underwent a rigorous process, including the completion of intensive coursework covering valuation theories and techniques, successful passage of a comprehensive examination and demonstration of professional experience in the field of business valuation, the release said. CLH, CPAs & Consultants is a full-service certified public accounting firm with offices in La Porte, Michigan City, and Valparaiso.
Chicago Tribune
30-03-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Business news: Doctor relocates; Legacy Foundation leader to speak; IUN career event
Doctor relocates to new Valparaiso office Dr. Kumari Singh, a family medicine physician, is now seeing patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, in Valparaiso, a release said. Existing appointments have been moved to the new Valparaiso location, the release said. Singh completed medical school at Windsor University School of Medicine at St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, and completed her residency at the University of North Dakota Bismarck in Bismarck. In addition to the new Valparaiso location, Singh will continue to see patients at Coolspring Health Center, 1225 East Coolspring Ave. in Michigan City. For more information, call 219-307-4750. Legacy Foundation leader to speak The Crown Point Rotary Club will host Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation, at the club's weekly luncheon at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday at Youche Country Club, 2301 W. 129th Place, Crown Point, a release said. Since joining Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation, in 2014, Anoe has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives that support local communities, the release said. She also serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Public Policy Committee. The event offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about philanthropy's role in local development, the release said. For more information or to RSVP, contact Joseph Skibbie at jskibbie@ IUN hosts annual career event The Indiana University Northwest Office of Career Services will host the 21st Annual Community Employment and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11, according to a release. The event will take place at the Savannah Center Gymnasium at the Gary campus, 3400 Broadway. Call 219-980-6650 for information. Those attending should dress professionally and bring resumes, the release said. Employers interested in participating should contact Diava Carter, Director of Career Services, careernw@ Valparaiso University names nursing dean Dr. Elizabeth Gmitter is the new Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University, according to a release. Gmitter's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the College of Nursing and Health Professions embarks on a transformative campaign to build a state-of-the-art health professions facility, the release said. Previously, Gmitter served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Career Programs at Malcolm X College in Chicago, where she led more than 20 healthcare programs, including 12 with specialized accreditation, the release said. The campaign for the new health professions facility will focus on securing funding, engaging alumni and community partners, and developing an innovative learning environment. For more information, visit Gary Schools welcomes new curriculum director The Gary Community School Corp. has announced the addition of Renita Craig to its academic team as Director of Curriculum and Assessment, according to a release. Craig's career experience includes serving as a junior high and elementary principal, assistant principal, special education director and high school special education teacher. Craig holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis, a master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University, the release said. For the latest district news, visit Applications open for Leadership Northwest program The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest has opened applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Northwest Indiana program, a release said. The program, facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from the PNW's College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, plans to meet monthly from September to May 2026. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life, the release said. To view more information about the program and registration, visit The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. More information can be found online at or by contacting the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@ Franciscan, partners plan Safe Kids Day Children and their families are invited to the free Safe Kids Day Saturday at the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W Burrell Drive, Crown Point, according to a release. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. Families will learn more about bike and helmet safety, child passenger safety, stranger danger, pediatric dental care, fire safety, pet safety, medication safety, the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, safe sleeping, breastfeeding, water safety and more, the release said. Families can also attend the 'Tim Hanning: Pro Kids Show' at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Hanning's award-winning show connects with kids through magic, comedy, music, puppets and audience involvement, the release said. Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana in partnership with sponsors Franciscan Health Crown Point, the Dean & Barbara White YMCA, Franciscan Health Trauma Services and Cleveland-Cliffs. Employee earns business credential Adam Lange, a staff accountant at CLH, CPAs & Consultants, recently earned the Certified Valuation Analyst credential from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts, according to a release. To achieve the CVA designation, Lange underwent a rigorous process, including the completion of intensive coursework covering valuation theories and techniques, successful passage of a comprehensive examination and demonstration of professional experience in the field of business valuation, the release said.
