To expand the department, UNE added an accelerated nursing program, which increased enrollment by 50 percent and allowed nurses to start practicing after just two years. Thirty nurses graduated from UNE in 2011 compared to 125 expected graduates in 2019. A record 98 percent passed the certification exam in 2018.
Although the Maine Department of Labor estimates the state will be short 3,200 nurses by 2025, UNE’s reported graduation and exam numbers suggest that number could change.
Still, the program suffers from a faculty shortage despite its students’ success. Federal funding has helped UNE combat the problem by offering loan forgiveness programs for faculty members who come to the university to teach.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
5 ways physicians can promote childhood vaccinations to hesitant parents
Use of HIV-preventive PrEP pill increases 500%
Connecticut hospital fined $150K over cancer misdiagnoses
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.