Regents want $27 million to expand nursing progams

Jennifer Knight

Thursday, June 20, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

University system officials put forth a $27 million plan Wednesday that aims to double the size of its nursing programs and, as a result, help fill the demand for more nurses.

The Board of Regents unanimously approved the plan, which next will be submitted to the Legislature for funding.

The primary way the state's five nursing schools plan to expand is by offering year-round programs. Summer school currently is not state-funded.

"In short, without funding from the Legislature for summer school, doubling nursing enrollment is not possible," said Julie Johnson, director and professor at the nursing school at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Despite a state nursing shortage, students are being turned away at Nevada schools because of lack of space.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas turned away 53 students last year because there weren't enough spots for them.

UNR was unable to admit 38 student applicants to its nursing program.

Similarly, the Community College of Southern Nevada and two institutions each were unable to admit about 20 students last year because of lack of space.

The state's nursing shortage is attributed to several factors, including Clark County's unprecedented growth. Nevada institutions graduate between 200 and 300 nurses a year compared to the 662 needed, according to the Nevada Hospital Association.

Nevada's patient/nurse ratio is among the worst in the nation.

"By doubling nursing enrollments, we hope that we can erase that dubious distinction," Johnson said.

Among other elements of the plan are creating mentoring programs at the elementary and secondary levels; starting a statewide media campaign promoting the nursing career; increasing distance education opportunities; and placing an emphasis on evening and weekend program schedules.

Doreen Begley, a nursing executive with the Nevada Hospital Association, said that getting the university system to do its part will address about one-third of the problem. The state must also address retention and recruitment, she said.

"This portion is simply addressing the education piece of that trilogy," Begley said.