Training nurses for 115 years
- Rita Sherrie
- 4 jul 2018
- 2 Min. de lectura
As the U.S. confronts a nursing shortage, a metro institution marks a historic milestone – the 115th anniversary of its nursing program. Saint Luke’s Hospital enrolled the first students in its diploma school of nursing in 1903. Since graduating the inaugural class of three nursing students in 1906, Saint Luke’s has added and expanded nursing programs.
Renamed Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences in 2010, the institution offers bachelor of science degrees in nursing, along with master of science in nursing degrees and post-graduate certificates. In April, the college graduated 137 nursing students.
Last October, the college got approval from the Higher Learning Commission, which issues its accreditation, to offer three new academic programs. In January, the Associate of Science in Medical Assisting, Associate of Arts and Associate of Science in Allied Health programs enrolled their first students.
“This is a historic achievement, said Dr. Hubert Benitez, Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences president when it was announced.
Also last fall, the college added family nurse practitioner degree to the graduate program offerings and joined the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (STTI). Membership offers many opportunities, and while the requirements are stringent, nurses, once inducted, remain members for life.
Among the college’s newest initiatives is a program to increase diversity in the healthcare workforce. In May, the first class of 10 high school students completed the college’s Pathways to Health and Science Education Program. They were among 12 students who began program coursework in September 2017. It’s for students in the ninth through 12th grades interested in exploring health and sciences careers.
Benitez led the creation of Pathways. He’s committed to increasing access to education; working with first-generation and diverse student bodies; and fostering multiculturalism and social integration.
Choosing a career in healthcare, especially nursing is well-timed. There’s a growing shortage of nurses nationwide. Experienced nurses, who currently number about three million, are retiring faster than schools can turn out new nurse graduates. It’s a perfect storm because the aging population requires more care, increasing the demand for nursing and other health professionals. It’s estimated that more than a million new nurses will be needed by 2022. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, home health and personal care aides are among the top six fastest-growing occupations, according to the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook released in November by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projected growth rates over the next decade for physician assistants and nurse practitioners are 37 and 36 percent, respectively.
Nurses rank as the most trusted profession, too, a title they’ve held for 16 consecutive years. In December, Gallup released the 2017 results of their poll for the most honest and ethical professions. Eighty-two percent of those polled ranked nursing as the top profession.
Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences holds a monthly open house at 624 Westport Road in Kansas City, Mo. It’s an opportunity to tour the campus; visit with staff, faculty and students; explore nursing and allied health programs; discover admission guidelines and education requirements; and learn about financial aid. The next open house is July 17 from 5-7 p.m.
