Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota partnered to reimagine nursing education and address the growing shortage of nurses in the state.
The new Coalition for Nursing Equity and Excellence will work with healthcare providers and every school of nursing in the state to increase enrollment in nurse education programs at all degree levels, expand equity in the nursing workforce and increase the overall success of nursing students, according to an Oct. 5 news release.
Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, said current methods will not address the current nursing shortage in the state or the shortage expected in the future.
"There simply aren’t enough clinical training opportunities, nursing faculty and simulation capabilities to increase nursing enrollment and there aren’t currently enough qualified students. This Coalition for Nursing Equity and Excellence, anchored in collaboration, can provide the holistic approach Minnesota’s health care system so urgently needs," said Dr. Delaney.
According to the release, applications to some of the state's nursing programs are declining, and some are forced to limit enrollment due to the inability to hire faculty.
"The need for additional nurses in Minnesota’s workforce is undeniable—in all regions of the state and at every level of the nursing career pathway. Our collaboration with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing to create a platform for all nursing schools in the state to work together and focus resources on this critical need," said Valerie DeFor, executive director of the Minnesota State HealthForce Center of Excellence.