Steps to Grow Pa.’s Nursing Workforce

March 07, 2025

A strong workforce supports health care across the commonwealth.

On Thursday, Temple Women & Families hosted an event with Governor Shapiro and other state and local leaders to highlight the need to grow the nursing pipeline.

The event outlined workforce development initiatives included in the 2025–2026 budget proposal, as well as other investments in vo-tech programs, career and technical education (CTE), job placement programs, and apprenticeships.

“Ensuring a strong, well-trained nursing workforce is essential to maintaining the high-quality care that Pennsylvanians deserve and expect,” said Michael Young, CEO, Temple University Health System.

Shapiro noted the importance of Pennsylvania’s nurse licensure compact to help create a multi-state nursing workforce. The budget proposal includes $5 million for the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program, which will provide funding to hospitals that partner with nursing schools to cover tuition costs for students who commit to a three-year work placement at Pennsylvania hospitals after graduation.

Dr. Chaudron Carter Short, chief nursing executive for Temple University Health System, discussed Temple’s Nursing Scholar program, which offers loan sponsorship for registered nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists that commit to working for the health system after graduation.

The model can support the health care workforce across the commonwealth.

“Hospitals like ours will see significant savings by further decreasing turnover, cutting our reliance on staffing agencies, and optimizing patient care,” she said.

The event is available to watch online.