Oklahoma’s Persistent Nurse Shortage Attracts Students to New Nursing Program
Diane Mbetsi, a recent graduate of Broken Arrow High School, did not let Oklahoma’s ongoing nurse shortage influence her decision to pursue a career in nursing. Instead, Mbetsi was drawn to the hands-on patient care aspect of nursing, which she feels sets it apart from other medical professions. Now a nursing student at Rogers State University (RSU), Mbetsi is excited about the job opportunities that await her upon graduation.
Mbetsi is among the first students to participate in a new extended campus partnership between RSU and Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, which was established last fall. This partnership not only benefits the students, but also provides the hospital with a pipeline of qualified nurses, like Mbetsi, ready for employment.
Currently, 32 students, including a cohort of 16 new students, are enrolled in classes at the RSU Saint Francis campus located at the main hospital. The program boasts a hospital-based simulation center, the only one of its kind in the region, where students can gain real-world medical experience.
As part of the initiative to recruit more registered nurses, Saint Francis has hired five full-time faculty members and secured funding from The William K. Warren Foundation to underwrite the program for the first three years. With a goal of hiring 80% of graduates from its partnerships, including RSU, Saint Francis aims to address the need for over 600 nurses annually.
Carla Lynch, director of Health sciences at RSU, highlighted how the partnership has allowed the nursing program to expand its capacity, admitting more qualified applicants and reducing waitlists. The high fidelity simulation center provides students with valuable hands-on training in various medical scenarios.
One student taking advantage of this partnership is Michael Lamont, who aspires to become a pediatric nurse. Similarly to Mbetsi, Lamont chose nursing for its patient-centered focus and sought familiarization with the hospital environment through the program.
In addition to classroom instruction, Mbetsi also works as a medical assistant at Saint Francis, gaining practical experience in a healthcare setting. The program is available to juniors and seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at RSU, with plans to serve 64 nursing students annually at Saint Francis.
Overall, this innovative partnership between RSU and Saint Francis Hospital not only addresses Oklahoma’s nurse shortage but also provides aspiring nurses with valuable hands-on experience and job opportunities in the healthcare industry.
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