Hoag Counters Nursing Shortage with Education

The word is out.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that budget-strapped nursing schools are so inundated with interest that prospective students are spilling over onto lengthy waiting lists.

It's a shame really. On one hand, you have a nursing shortage in California that's speeding toward crisis proportions. On the other hand, you've got students waiting in line to heed the call.

No hospital in Southern California is doing more to bridge the gap between the two than Hoag Hospital.

Helping Local Nursing Schools

"Our goal is to prevent students from getting frustrated by sitting on a waiting list," explains Rick Martin, M.S.N., R.N., Hoag's vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. "Interest in nursing is starting to grow, but schools can't afford to hire more professors, so we're helping support them."

Although there's no guarantee the newly minted nurses will pursue careers at Hoag upon completion of their studies, that's a chance the hospital is willing to take. "The reality is we need to work to provide quality registered nurses for our community," says Martin. "We're working to get other hospitals engaged in helping nursing schools as well."

Thankful and Skillful Employees

In addition, Hoag offers an aggressive tuition-reimbursement program and abundant scholarship opportunities. As a nurse in Hoag's neuro intensive care unit, Farideh Bahrami, M.S.N., R.N., has finished her bachelor's degree and attained a master's since joining Hoag a little over a decade ago. "Hoag has really helped with my scheduling so that I could go to school," she says. "After tuition reimbursement and scholarships, it cost me almost nothing to get a master's degree."

Hoag's on-site bachelor's program, held in conjunction with Cal State Long Beach, enabled acute dialysis nurse Cassie Latimer, R.N., to fulfill a lifelong goal. "I always promised myself I would go back and get my four-year degree," she explains. "Not only does Hoag offer a bachelor's program, but it's right here on site. After your shift, you just take your jacket off, head downstairs and you're there."

With its small class sizes, the instruction is very hands on, which makes a profound difference in the level of care Hoag patients receive. "I believe our nurses are empowered and autonomous," says Latimer. "Education can make a difference in how you feel about yourself and how you present yourself to your patients."

State Budget Woes

"The state has not stepped up to the plate," explains Martin. "They're really just expecting things to be taken care of on the local level. Nursing schools are already facing cuts and they'll get more with the new budget."

For two years, the governor's office has ignored a report by the Scott Commission--a panel of nursing-industry leaders that included Martin--which recommended $499 million in spending on nursing education.

The alarms continue to sound. The state of California currently ranks 49th in America in the number of registered nurses per 100,000 people. Fifty percent of our state's nurses are trained outside of California. Approximately half of the nurses in our state are approaching retirement age. To top it off, our population is projected to explode in the next decade and that population is aging and therefore experiencing greater healthcare needs.

What You Can Do

He recommends contacting your local legislator to encourage increased funding or perhaps investigating to see if your company provides grants that might be able to benefit nursing schools.

California's next generation of nurses won't wait forever. Faced with a waiting list that can be several years long, many choose other professions.

When they step out of line, the future of healthcare goes with them.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining Hoag Hospital's expert nursing team, please call Hoag's employment office at 949/764-5875.

Apply Online for nursing opportunities at Hoag Hospital