A Bold Plan to Create the Nursing Workforce of the Future

AICUP cites HAP survey to highlight need for more nurses

August 28, 2024

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AICUP) of Pennsylvania this week launched a bold new initiative to grow the nursing workforce, bolster nurse education, and expedite graduation time for new nurses.

In an announcement this week, the association highlighted HAP’s Workforce Survey to show the critical need for innovative programs and partnerships to “bridge the nursing cliff.”

“The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania estimates that PA will experience ‘the worst nursing shortage in the nation by 2026.’ In response, 43 AICUP nursing schools are engaging in bold and innovative programs and new partnerships to train more nurses,” AICUP announced in a statement this week.

The project will identify opportunities to:

1. Encourage new age groups to consider a career in nursing:  Nursing schools are working with area schools to introduce students to health care careers from elementary school through the 12^th grade. They also are creating pathways for retiring nurses to return to their roles.
2. Scale up facilities, increase offerings, and build new spaces for more nursing students:  New nursing programs are emerging throughout the commonwealth to meet the state’s critical need for nurses. These programs are using technology and virtual reality to take training to the next level.
3. Expedite graduation time:  Dual enrollment gives high school students a head start to begin their coursework, while accelerated degrees help people with bachelor's degrees in other fields train for health care jobs.
4. Assist students in making nursing school affordable and accessible:  Scholarships and transfer agreements with community college and AICUP member schools are helping students access the education they need to enter the medical field.

“You can’t just put a Band-Aid on this, hoping it will get better, we need to take substantive action now. That’s why our nursing teachers and students are rolling up the sleeves on their scrubs, willing to do what it takes to come up with real solutions,” said Thomas P. Foley, president of AICUP.

HAP and Pennsylvania hospitals continue to focus on the need to grow and support the health care workforce. Read more about hospitals’ workforce efforts to #GrowPAHealth.

Additional information about the AICUP initiative is available online.