Methodist scholarship combats nursing shortage

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Methodist College is offering a full-tuition scholarship for students enrolled in its accelerated nursing program as the United States faces a nationwide nursing shortage.

The scholarship requires recipients to commit to working at a Methodist Hospital for four years after graduation.

Shortage affecting Omaha

Mindy Barna, Methodist’s Dean of Nursing, said the shortage is significant and ongoing.

“We have a nation-wide nursing shortage. We’re running short about 200,000 nurses every single year, and that’s projected to continue over the next ten years,” Barna said.

Barna said Omaha is also feeling the strain of that shortage.

Career change fueled by lifelong goal

Marti Carrington, a student in the Methodist Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, spent more than two decades in human resources before applying.

“I worked in Human Resources for over twenty years,” Carrington said. “The entire time, I really wanted to become a nurse.”

Carrington said the scholarship has eased the financial pressure of making that career change.

“I was able to apply for an interview for a scholarship that pays for my full tuition that’s sponsored by Methodist. So that’s really taken a financial burden off my family,” she said.

Accelerated path to the workforce

The accelerated program allows students to complete a degree in one year — a process that can otherwise take two to four years. Carrington said she is completing the program while continuing to work and care for her family.

“I think the accelerated program really works well for people who are motivated, and I just — I was so excited, I wanted to get it done,” Carrington said.

Barna described the scholarship as a newer approach to a long-standing problem.

“It is a newer solution to a longtime problem. So giving students the opportunity to have that second career, get it done quickly, and be in the healthcare field. So, this just gives another opportunity for them to complete that degree,” Barna said.

There are currently 56 students enrolled in the program, with graduation expected in July. Barna said the college hopes to grow enrollment to 75 students in the future.