Northeast Wisconsin health system strives to step ahead of nursing shortage | WLUK

(WLUK) — Despite a decline in new COVID-19 cases, the nursing shortage isn’t getting better.A new report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association shows vacancy rates for registered nurse positions more than doubled from 2020 to 2021.

…To help fill the gaps, employers are turning to nursing programs to churn out more graduates.

Christine Vandenhouten, professor and chair of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, says programs are focusing on attracting local talent.

“We just started another similar program called a 2+2+1, so students will take courses at the University of Wisconsin at Manitowoc or Sheboygan,” said Vandenhouten, “They will complete an associates degree they can then take courses at Lakeshore Technical College and then again come back to the UW-Green Bay for the fourth year where they can complete the bachelor’s degree.”

Vandenhouten says she hopes the program can help turn the declining numbers around and be a big part in helping grow the local healthcare workforce.

Bellin says it also utilizes travel nurses to help keep a full staff.

Source: Northeast Wisconsin health system strives to step ahead of nursing shortage | WLUK