Bakersfield.com

Nationwide there is an acute need for nurses, and Bakersfield is no exception. To help heal the work force shortage, California State University, Bakersfield’s nursing department has received a $100,000 pilot grant from the State of California to increase the number of quality nurses entering the profession.

“This grant significantly impacts local nursing opportunities and makes it easier for students to complete the clinical portion of the nursing program,” said Deborah Boschini, a registered nurse and nursing professor. “The funding will allow expansion of our simulated laboratory where students are be observed, directed and evaluated on their work in a controlled environment.”

Currently, CSUB offers nursing students up to 20 percent of their clinical hours in a simulated laboratory setting. The grant funding will expand capacity by extending simulation hours, providing more courses and increasing the number of trained faculty available to students. The result is an increase in the number of students admitted to the program, from 60 to 96 students per year. Funding will also help CSUB streamline its nursing program, enabling students to graduate a full academic year sooner and enter the work force earlier.

“This really is a win-win-win for our program, our students and our community,” Boschini said. “The funding addresses a critical need statewide, and we are extremely excited about the opportunities it offers our program.”

CSUB was one of eight programs in California to receive the special task force funding aimed at expanding nurse capacity. In 24 months, enrollment in California nursing programs has increased by 24 percent as a result of this concentrated effort to expanding nursing education.