Arizona is grappling with the nation’s most severe nursing shortage, with a projected deficit of 28,100 registered nurses by 2025. Pima Medical Institute (PMI) is stepping up to address this crisis through its accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing program, which prepares students for the workforce in just 22 months.

Local Impact and Educational Approach

Located in Mesa, Arizona, PMI’s simulation labs provide students with hands-on experience, simulating real hospital environments. The program’s director, Jennifer Morelli, emphasizes the importance of practical training, stating, “With the associate degree, we’re making them into a novice nurse. They’re learning the foundation of their skills.”

The program’s accelerated nature allows students to enter the workforce quickly, with many local hospitals offering tuition reimbursement to ease financial burdens. This initiative not only helps fill the nursing gap but also supports students in managing their education costs.

Student Experiences and Community Needs

Students like Yasmine Urcadez and Paolina Aguirre are already gaining valuable experience in healthcare settings while completing their studies. Urcadez, who works in a Tucson emergency department, highlights the ongoing staffing challenges and the high burnout rates among nurses. Aguirre, motivated by personal experiences, is committed to providing empathetic care, inspired by the quality of care she witnessed during her own hospitalization.

Beyond hospitals, the shortage extends to school health offices, where one in three students nationwide lacks access to a full-time nurse. PMI’s program offers pathways into school nursing, working with local districts to place students in relevant preceptorships.

Preparing for the Future

PMI’s curriculum includes training on digital charting platforms like DocuCare, ensuring students are well-versed in electronic health records management. The program’s structured approach, from learning basic skills to managing complex patient care scenarios, aims to produce competent and compassionate nurses ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

As Arizona continues to face this critical shortage, PMI’s efforts represent a vital contribution to the community, preparing a new generation of nurses to provide essential care across the state.

Original reporting: 12News / KPNX (Phoenix) — read the source article.