Arizona and the country are currently experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases. But there is another pandemic, perhaps even more devastating than COVID-19 because it could have everlasting effects on the healthcare system for generations to come.
America is suffering from a shortage of nurses.
Sheila Seales, MSN, RN, is the dean of nursing at Arizona College of Nursing, Tempe campus. She says the shortage has been happening since before COVID-19 started.
"The pandemic has only increased the need for nurses," she said. "The increased number of patients who need care, means a heavier workload and increased burnout for nurses. Simply put, more nurses are leaving the profession than new nurses entering."
Locally, Arizona has been hit hard by the deficiency. There are hundreds of nursing jobs available across the Valley, but no one to fill the roles. Furthermore, as the pandemic continues to grow the amount of nursing care to non-COVID patients will decline.
"If this shortage persists, it will significantly affect the overall access to quality healthcare for Arizona residents," Seales explained.
One contributing factor is that people are aging out of their careers. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing estimates that nearly one million nurses of the baby boomer generation are getting ready to retire by 2030. Compound that with an aging population in need of medical attention and you can see the problem.
The interest in nursing as a profession is high, but enrollment is low.
"Many qualified applicants are not being admitted because nursing schools do not have enough slots. At Arizona College of Nursing, some students tell us they have experienced one- to two-year waits for other programs. They qualified for admission and met all the requirements; there just was not space for them," said Seales, adding there's also a need for more resources and nursing instructors to teach those programs.
The importance of nurses goes back hundreds of years. Usually, they were called upon to help the war-wounded. In modern times that aspect has diminished, instead focusing on the skilled welfare of patients in medical care facilities. Although the times have changed, the ethos has not.
"I am a little biased because my life’s work is nursing," said Seales about her profession. "Nursing is a rewarding career that is crucial to the healthcare field. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is it has shined a light on how vital nurses and healthcare workers are. Nurses are on the front lines providing care of patients every single day. They are often the advocate for patients because nurses spend the most time with them."
She goes on to say that nurses are not only important in emergency situations, but they are also needed for schools, assisting in the administration of medication, natal care and of course, teaching.
"There are many different roles in nursing, all with the commonality of serving others," Seales said.
With the situation so critical and the need so high, what exactly does it take to be a nurse? And what type of nursing title should one strive to achieve? Seales explains the field's greatest need is for registered nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing. Additionally, the latter degree will provide better opportunities down the line.
Seales emphasizes that school is not easy. Most people who get into the nursing field consider it a calling not a career.
Your first order of business, Seales says, should be to visit campuses to find the one that suits you best.
"Look for a good culture fit, ask about faculty to student ratio and make sure the school has the right mixture of classroom time and hands-on training so that you feel career ready when you graduate. If you are a student that needs extra support, make sure you choose a school that has the resources to help you along the way," she said.
The pandemic is not a deal-breaker. The Arizona College of Nursing has special measures in place to ensure the safety of its students. In fact, Seales says, going to school during these times might be beneficial in the long run.
"Our students, who have gone to school during COVID, are some of the most resilient and prepared we have seen. I am confident they are ready to tackle anything that comes their way," she said.
For more information, visit arizonacollege.edu.
