Strategic adaptation and innovation remains a priority at WSU Nursing amid budget reductions

In the face of nationwide healthcare workforce shortages and increasing financial constraints in higher education, Washington State University College of Nursing remains firmly focused on its core academic mission: to continue to graduate more pre-licensure students than any other program in the state while improving health outcomes for communities across Washington.

In July, WSU formally approved a budget reduction plan for the college in response to reduced federal and state funding. In turn, the college's leadership has implemented strategic operational changes and restructured several departments to preserve and reinforce its most essential commitments to the health and sustainability of communities throughout the state.

"As we navigate both a changing educational and healthcare landscape, we are prioritizing our unique strengths as a college to lead us into the future," said Anne Mason, acting dean of the College of Nursing. "Our focus on experiential, hands-on education has created more than 13,700 Coug nurses who are prepared to succeed in a complex and evolving healthcare landscape. We are investing in areas that enable us to continue that impact. With programs across the WSU system in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Yakima, the college's operational changes prioritize access to academic programs that prepare future nurses for successful careers in a variety of healthcare settings while meeting increased demand."

Mapping the need

The Health Resources Services Administration has estimated that Washington will have one of the highest nursing shortages in the nation by 2037, with a shortfall of over 19,000 RNs anticipated. This gap, resulting in part from both an aging population and increasing retirement from the field, is particularly acute in rural areas.

In direct response to addressing this shortage, the college recently launched a Rural Nursing Pathway program that invests in areas that most directly support workforce retention and community needs. The program is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Health and is designed to help rural hospitals grow their own RN workforce by offering flexible education options that allow students to remain in their local communities.

Additionally, the college relaunched its Master of Nursing program that has been revised to meet the urgent need for nurse educators and clinical leaders. A third, accelerated track is currently being developed that will more easily enable the entry of mid-career professionals into the field of nursing. The college is also committed to continuing the RN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Program in collaboration with community college nursing programs.

"As the college moves into the coming year, we are focused on what matters most, supporting our students and expanding the nursing workforce throughout Washington," Mason said. "Even as we face financial challenges, our commitment to excellence in education, research, and service to our state-wide communities remains unwavering."