May 18, 2023
Nurses are often considered to be the backbone of the healthcare industry. But as the nursing shortage in Washington and across the country grows, hospitals and clinics are faced with the increasingly difficult task of hiring qualified nurses.
Many nurses have left the field due to burnout from the pandemic, while others have retired – and the solution of simply training more nurses in school isn’t actually so simple. Nursing programs are also struggling to hire nurse educators, which is a position that requires a more advanced degree. Without enough educators, they cannot enroll a full class of nursing students.
This is a bottleneck that will take creative thinking. A survey found many Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) were interested in furthering their education so they can provide more advanced patient care or take on an educational role. However, they were often met with barriers, like a lack of programs near home or significant financial obligations. That’s why Premera invested $1.8 million to help four Washington colleges establish a new educational pathway. This program removes barriers so LPNs can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and prepare for a career as a registered nurse or future educator.
The program’s first class of students graduated from Saint Martin’s University in early May with their BSN. One student shared her story and how this program impacted her life.
For Murinda Mcculler, this program unlocked the ability to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. Since the age of three, when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she’s always felt like a patient advocate. Murinda describes, “I’ve always been a nurse without actually being a nurse.” Achieving her dream was met with many barriers along the way, though. Going through school while pregnant, losing her dad, and needing to focus on her family kept her from reaching that goal.
That finally changed when she saw the new LPN to BSN program featured on the Saint Martin’s University website. With the support of her family and friends, she applied for the program in hopes of completing her dream of becoming a nurse. In May 2023, Murinda became one of the first graduates of this new program and earned her BSN.
Murinda’s story is not unlike many who have wanted to advance in their nursing career with little to no options to do so. If you’re interested in learning more, watch stories from other students or get details about the admissions process.