The nursing profession has long been acknowledged for its resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With over 25 years of experience, including a tenure in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, and a role as an educator shaping the next generation of nurses in North Carolina, I have observed firsthand the evolving landscape of nursing education. The demand for qualified nurses has never been greater, and it is vital that nursing schools embrace technology to address the ongoing shortage of nursing faculty and the necessity for more practice-ready nurses in the workforce.
The United States is currently facing a substantial shortage of nurses, and this situation is projected to deteriorate in the years ahead. Addressing this deficiency requires nursing schools to explore innovative approaches to educate and train greater numbers of nursing students. One of the primary challenges is the capacity of nursing programs, with many schools being compelled to reject qualified applicants due to resource and faculty limitations. Approximately 60% of nursing schools nationwide have reported unfilled full-time nurse faculty positions, indicating a pressing need for additional support and resources.
Integration of technology into nursing education is a pivotal step towards expanding the capacity of nursing programs. By incorporating scalable, comprehensive methods that integrate technologies such as virtual simulations, AI-driven tools, and guided case studies, nursing schools can furnish students with current information and practical training, ultimately enhancing their clinical judgment without endangering patients. These technologies also enable faculty members to streamline their workload, develop more efficient assessment methods, and support larger class sizes, thus addressing common barriers contributing to burnout among nursing educators.
Artificial intelligence stands as a prime example of a technological advancement with the potential to revolutionize nursing education. AI tools can aid educators in formulating assessment questions, saving time and energy while also fostering critical thinking skills among students. Rather than perceiving AI as a threat, nursing educators should harness these tools to develop engaging projects that challenge students to think critically and discern the limitations of AI-generated information. This approach not only enhances students’ knowledge but also prepares them to navigate and critically appraise the wealth of information available in healthcare settings.
Furthermore, as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, nursing programs must adapt to equip students with the skills needed to address the complex challenges within healthcare systems. Leveraging technology as a force multiplier can play a crucial role in empowering nursing programs to produce more competent and practice-ready nurses who are equipped to meet the demands of their communities.
As the nursing profession grapples with workforce shortages, it is imperative that nursing education evolves to meet healthcare’s demands. By embracing technology and equipping nursing educators with the tools they need, we can establish a more sustainable and resilient nursing pipeline for the future.
About the Author:
David Everhart, RN, MSN, CEN serves as the LPN-RN Lead Instructor at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Nursing Program Faculty in Hudson, NC. He served in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps from 1998 to 2011, including a deployment to Iraq in 2003, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Afterward, he held nursing leadership positions at Atrium Health Blue Ridge before joining Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Nursing Program Faculty in 2021.
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