Nursing Education in West Texas: Challenges and Solutions

Presenters Dr. Leslie Mayrand, Professor and Head – ASU Department of Nursing Chairperson, THECB Task Force to Increase RN Graduates in Texas

Presenters Mr. Justin Louder, Multimedia Specialist and Lecturer – ASU Department of Nursing Region 1 Coordinator, THECB Task Force to Increase RN Graduates in Texas

Challenge: The Nursing Shortage Continues in Texas

The Nursing Shortage In 2005 Texas produced a total of 6,300 new graduates of initial entry nursing programs in its 84 nursing programs. By 2020 Texas will be short approximately 71,000 nurses.

Nursing Graduates The state’s nursing programs will need to increase the number of its graduates by: 50% by % by 2016

Why the shortage continues… Aging of the RN workforce Average age of a working RN: 43 Increasing demand on the nursing workforce Image

Challenge: Nursing Education In Texas

Nursing Education in Texas An RN is an RN is an RN? Different types of preparation

Nursing Education in Texas Regardless of the type of program, most are at capacity

Nursing Education in Texas Nurse Faculty Shortage In 2004, 70% of all nursing faculty surveyed will reach retirement age within the next five to 15 years. Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) in Texas can earn between $70,000 to $79,000 a year. A master’s prepared nursing faculty member at public institutions usually earn between $41,000 and $45,000 for a 9-month contract.

Nursing Education in Texas By 2010 nursing programs in Texas will need to increase the number of full time faculty by 54% to meet current projections for nursing graduates. Only 5% of students who completed master’s degrees in nursing in 2005 were specifically prepared to assume nursing faculty positions.

Nursing Education in Texas Competition for Clinical Sites Physical Space Limitations

Nursing Education in Texas Educating nurses to care for patients in an increasingly complex health care delivery system.

Challenge: Increasing the Number and Diversity of RN Graduates

Program Completion Rates Type of Institution Community Colleges (n=43): 57% Health Related Institutions (n=4): 75% University (n=21): 51% Statewide: 56%

Persistence Rates Institution: Community Colleges: 65% Health Related Institutions: 83% University: 74% Statewide: 69%

Only 70% of admitted students are likely to complete a nursing degree.

Nursing Students 2005 ADN and BSN Graduates 2005 State Population White61%48% Hispanic21%35% Black10%12% Asian5%1% Other/Unknown3%4%

Nursing Students (2) ADN students are significantly older than BSN students (mean 26 vs. mean 22). Median age of new ADN student is between % of AASN nursing students have children 30% of BSN nursing students have children

Nursing Students (3) A major reason for students dropping out of programs was NOT poor grades but the need to provide for their families.

Possible Solutions To the Nursing Crisis in Texas

Solutions: Get students hooked earlier Work on our image

Simulated Learning According to a report from the Institute of Medicine, “To Err is Human: Building a safer Health System,” health care is a decade or more behind other high-risk industries in its attention to ensuring basic safety.

Simulated Learning (2) An effective training program allows students to walk into any situation, recognize the circumstances and act automatically. They learn how to do what they need to do, and when to do it.

Simulated Learning (3)

Simulated Learning (4) Students learn in a “safe” environment and are able to take chances and make mistakes and then debrief what happened in simulation and learn from what went on. You are invited to the SimLab Open House

New Models of Educating Students Competency-based education Residency models New clinical models Online education Learn/Earn programs

Solution Transition…Transition…Transition

LVN-RN There are close to 75,000 Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas Campus based LVN-RN programs limit the number of LVN students that can pursue an RN education.

LVN-RN (2) LVNs typically are the primary bread winners for their families. This limits their ability to take time off from work to pursue additional education. Rural West Texas has a harder time getting RNs because of the geographic isolation brought on by the vastness of the state.

LVN-RN (3) One solution is an online LVN-RN transition program which Angelo State is currently pursuing.

RN-MSN Nurse Education Advanced Practice

Solution: Partnerships

Clinical Regional Educational

For More Information: Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Task Force Information: 1.PDF 1.PDF