Pennsylvania faces a growing challenge with a shortage of nurses and increased demand for skilled nursing professionals. Hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities aim to provide quality care and unless the projected nursing shortage is addressed with effective, long-term solutions, they will continue to experience strain.
As Pennsylvania looks to ensure they have enough nurses to provide for an aging population, this is a great time for those looking to change careers and become a nurse. Accessible training programs for individuals with a non-nursing background are available to those desiring to become an RN in less than two years. Strengthening the foundation of nursing education can help alleviate the strain of the nursing shortage while making nursing a viable and attractive career option for future generations.
Current State of Nursing in Pennsylvania
According to a fact sheet by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), there is a projected shortfall of over 20,000 nurses needed in Pennsylvania by 2026. This poses a risk to patient outcomes and continued strain on the healthcare system. Many hospitals in Pennsylvania are working hard to recruit and retain nursing staff with efforts like:
- Increased pay
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuition assistance
- Bonuses and childcare
Through these benefits, HAP reported that hospitals were able to cut health professional turnover by 28% but still have vacancy rates of 14% for nurses. Strategic policies and investments are essential for solving these nationwide challenges.
Studies show adequate nursing staffing is linked to better overall care and better outcomes for patients and families. Lower nurse staffing is correlated with an increase in deaths and falls, while adequate nurse staffing is linked to decreased hospital readmission rates and shorter lengths of stay.
Pennsylvania and other states are tackling the nursing shortage with innovative initiatives. By learning from each other’s strategies, we can build a healthier future for all.
Initiatives to Increase Quantity of Field Nurses
The Pennsylvania Governor’s budget proposal includes a $5 million initiative for the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program. This program aims to expand the Pennsylvania nurse workforce through tuition assistance and partnerships with health care facilities.
Other states are also taking innovative steps to increase the number of nurses and enhance patient care. Maryland has become the first state to join the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) program.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hopes the federal AHEAD model program will improve quality and equity while promoting fiscal responsibility by:
- Reducing cost for Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers
- Emphasizing coordinated health care
- Focusing on underserved populations
Connecticut, Hawaii, and Vermont followed Maryland and are participating in the AHEAD program as the second cohort, while Rhode Island and five counties in New York are the third cohort. These joint efforts seek to alleviate the shortage of nursing professionals and improve patient outcomes.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Become a Pennsylvania Nurse
If you are considering a career change, now is an excellent time to become a nurse in Pennsylvania. There is a growing demand for skilled nurses, competitive pay, and rewarding job stability. Nursing in Pennsylvania offers a meaningful and practical career.
Renowned hospital systems in Pennsylvania are consistently hiring nurses across various specialty areas as the healthcare sector expands. The state is home to top-ranked healthcare systems like University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Penn Medicine. Pennsylvania has a mix of major metropolitan areas and smaller towns with abundant nursing opportunities.
In addition to job opportunities and professional growth, a career shift to nursing could boost your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual registered nurse salary was $87,530 in May 2023. Higher pay is available for specialized or experienced RNs.
Benefits of Becoming a Second Career Nurse
For those ready to make the switch, Pennsylvania offers numerous nursing programs designed for adult learners, career-changers, and working professionals. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs allow graduates to earn their BSN degree and experience the advantages of becoming a second career nurse. One of the biggest benefits of ABSN programs is the chance to leverage an existing bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and apply this education toward your future degree.
Unlike traditional BSN programs that typically take four years to finish, an ABSN program can be completed in approximately 12 to 15 months. This fast-track option is ideal for those wanting to enter the nursing workforce quickly without spending many years in school. Nursing requires continuing education, and entering the field provides a real-world context to grow professionally.
As a student in an ABSN program, you can expect:
- Nursing-specific coursework
- Didactic learning combined with hands-on clinical experiences
- Rigorous, career-focused training
- Education that builds on your prior foundation
Whether you studied biology, psychology, business, or arts, you developed critical thinking and communication skills in your prior degree program. These skills will strengthen your nursing practice and make you uniquely qualified for a smooth career transition. ABSN programs make the most of your previous academic achievements.
Employers recognize ABSN graduates are attractive candidates for a range of nursing positions. Becoming an RN in Pennsylvania could be the perfect fit if you’re seeking a career with stability, growth potential, and the chance to make a difference.
Accelerate into Your Nursing Career with Holy Family University
Holy Family University (HFU) provides a hometown learning experience with hands-on clinical training that many solely online programs cannot match. Choosing HFU means gaining the skills and connections you need to thrive in Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape.
The ABSN program at Holy Family allows you to:
- Graduate with your BSN degree in just 14 months
- Benefit from affordable tuition (more affordable than local programs)
- Complete fewer prerequisite courses (5 at HFU vs. 8 or 9 with competitors)
- Embrace Pennsylvania pride while gaining a top-tier nursing education
Visit the Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN program page for more information on how you can become a Pennsylvania nurse and be deeply connected to the local healthcare community
