IHL Hears Update On Efforts Being Made By Mississippi Colleges To Address Nursing Shortage
In Mississippi, five public universities have a school of nursing, along with four private universities and all 15 community colleges.
Author:Kelly HayesReviewer:Celeste PearlOct 30, 2023234 Shares9.7K Views
A significant nursing shortage is affecting Mississippi, and the state is actively exploring solutions to encourage more students to enter and stay in the nursing field. The shortage has become a pressing concern, with various stakeholders working together to bridge the gap between the demand for healthcare professionals and the available supply.
At a recent Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees meeting, the state's commitment to addressing this issue was palpable. Melissa Temple, the Director of Nursing Education for Mississippi’s IHL, presented an insightful overview of the state's nursing program, highlighting its historical roots dating back to 1914.
Currently, Mississippi boasts a network of universities, colleges, and community colleges offering a total of 40 different nursing degree programs. These programs are essential for training nurses who ultimately become the backbone of Mississippi's healthcare workforce. Approximately 52,000 licensed and registered nurses in the state have been educated through these programs, demonstrating their vital role in providing healthcare services to the community.
Over the past five years, these schools of nursing have been admitting an average of 4,000 students annually and graduating more than 2,700 nurses each year. This continuous flow of new graduates has been instrumental in meeting the growing demand for healthcare services.
However, despite these commendable efforts, Mississippi still faces a significant shortage of nurses and nursing faculty. The shortage is not due to a lack of students interested in pursuing nursing careers but rather a deficiency in training resources.
According to Temple, program directors in Mississippi identify a shortage of faculty as the primary reason for not accepting all qualified applicants. Additionally, there's a shortage of clinical space, a critical component of nursing education. Nationally, nursing schools turned away nearly 92,000 qualified applicants from BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and higher programs in 2021.
In response to this pressing issue, several colleges in Mississippi have taken proactive measures to increase nursing program enrollment. For instance, East Mississippi Community College doubled its enrollment from 45 to 90 students in the past spring. East Central Community College plans to offer LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs virtually, while Hinds County Community College modified its transition to RN (Registered Nurse) program to allow LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists to enroll.
Furthermore, Hinds Community College has reduced the length of the RN transition program to three semesters, a move aimed at expediting the entry of nursing professionals into the workforce. Similar initiatives have been undertaken by Itawamba Community College.
In addition to faculty shortages, Mississippi also faces challenges related to clinical space availability. Deans of colleges report that out-of-state nursing programs have been sending their students to Mississippi clinical sites. This influx of external students has strained resources. There's also a shortage of preceptors and experienced registered nurses who guide nursing students during their clinical training.
To address these issues, Mississippi is now working on establishing a regulatory approval process for monitoring out-of-state nursing programs and their clinical placement of students. This will ensure that institutions with nursing schools are regionally accredited and that the schools of nursing are accredited by their state board of nursing, aligning them with national standards.
Part of the problem arises from the restrictions imposed by neighboring Tennessee on Mississippi nursing students. Tennessee requires that out-of-state programs meet their accreditation standards, making it challenging for Mississippi students to complete clinicals in Tennessee. In contrast, Mississippi's open-door policy allows Tennessee's nursing students to fulfill their clinical requirements within Mississippi. To rectify this imbalance, Mississippi is working to address the discrepancies in accreditation requirements between the two states.
Another concern is the high attrition rate among newly graduated nurses, with many leaving the profession within their first year due to the overwhelming challenges they face. To combat this issue, a new nurse residency program is being introduced. This program will enable second-year nursing students to work in clinical facilities under the guidance of preceptors, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience.
This extended experience is expected to better prepare new nurses for the unexpected situations they may encounter while caring for patients. Remarkably, this program will follow students from pre-licensure through post-licensure, providing continuous support and guidance. After graduation, these nurses will participate in a 6-month residency program, further enhancing their skills and confidence in their roles.
Kelly Hayes
Author
Kelly Hayes is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in news reporting and horoscope analysis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from New York University, enhancing her credibility and expertise in the field.
Kelly's writing style is characterized by clarity, depth, and a commitment to delivering credible information. Her published works across various platforms showcase her knack for engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.
Readers trust Kelly's expertise in both current events and astrological interpretations, making her a sought-after authority in journalism.
Apart from her professional activities, Kelly enjoys exploring new cultures, practicing yoga, and engaging in philanthropic activities.
Celeste Pearl
Reviewer
Celeste Pearl is an accomplished writer and expert in numerology, astrology, and spirituality.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and over 6 years of writing experience, Celeste brings a wealth of expertise to her articles, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers.
Her passion for metaphysical sciences is evident in her insightful content, where she explores the depths of these subjects with clarity and depth.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Celeste enjoys delving into spiritual practices and connecting with nature for inspiration.
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