The United States is facing the largest nursing shortage of all time, causing significant challenges for colleges and universities offering nursing programs. In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Teri Kaul, PhD, APRN-BC, the Endowed Chairperson of Nursing at Carroll University, to explore practical strategies for higher ed institutions to address this critical issue.

Teri has a rich background as both a nurse and an academic leader. Her expertise offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of nursing education. She highlights the importance of maintaining the human touch in nursing while considering the potential impact of AI. Discover how collaborations with healthcare providers can help institutions acclimate nursing graduates into their institutions faster.

Tune in to learn how the Covid-19 pandemic has positively impacted the perception of nursing careers, leading to increased enrollment in RN programs. Uncover the challenges associated with nursing faculty shortages and the funding hurdles faced by nursing education programs. Gain practical advice on starting a successful nursing program, from understanding the community's specific needs to establishing cost-sharing partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Episode Highlights:

06:51 - Nursing education is a difficult profession. I think it does take dedicated people who want to come back and give back and help the next generation of nurses learn. It is not as lucrative as working in the healthcare industry. Certainly they can probably make more money working at the bedside. I think a lot of people see it as a way that they can give back and really share their wisdom that they have with other nurses.

13:06 - Nursing education is not cheap. It's very expensive and primarily because we actually are skill-based, very practice oriented. We've built many simulation units, as probably people have heard and understand. Those are labs where students actually go in and get to practice the professional skills on our mannequins.

20:42 - Stewardship is huge, and I think that means we do all have to be cognizant that it is a business. It does cost money. We can't just be spending money like it's coming to us forever. So, I think every time we make a decision related to something that we want, that's going to cost or cost the students or cost the faculty, or to cost whoever it is, everyone has to come with the idea of what's the ripple effect of that? What is that going to cost everybody?

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Sarah Holtan, PhD

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Teri Kaul, PhD, APRN-BC

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