Pennsylvania is facing an urgent nursing shortage that threatens the foundation of our health care system. The numbers are staggering — by 2026, the state is projected to be short 20,000 nurses, exacerbating an already strained workforce. Without decisive action, hospitals and health care facilities across the commonwealth will struggle to provide the high-quality care that patients deserve.
As Dean of Duquesne University’s School of Nursing, I have seen firsthand the challenges our students and graduates face. These aspiring nurses are passionate, dedicated and eager to serve, but the financial burden of their education and the increasing demands on the profession make it harder than ever to enter and remain in the field. That’s why Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed Nursing Shortage Assistance Program is a game-changer for Pennsylvania.
