By Ethan Sirles
With Kentucky currently facing noticeable healthcare professional shortages in almost every county, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is constantly working to meet workforce needs by providing skilled graduates. EKU is actively working to establish a public College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Commonwealth to further alleviate these shortages. Meanwhile, EKU's existing programs, such as the renowned nursing program, continue to educate students daily, preparing them to meet the critical healthcare needs of the state.
“We did see a dip in nursing enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we have begun to see an increase in enrollment,” said Dr. Brooke Bentley, EKU School of Nursing chair and professor. “This past spring, we had one of our largest pre-nursing classes that we have seen in many years.”
According to the Kentucky Hospital Association’s 2023 Workforce Survey Report, Kentucky hospitals continue to report high vacancy rates for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants, totaling 5,680 reported open nursing positions.
“EKU is doing a lot to help reduce the shortage,” she said. “It's important to note that 92% of EKU graduates with health-related majors remain in Kentucky to practice—directly impacting the health outcomes of the Commonwealth. For this reason, the more nurses we can educate, it tends to lead to more nurses that stay here in Kentucky.”
The nursing shortage is not unique to Kentucky. According to a study published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), heavy workloads and unprecedented stress on nurses have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to higher turnover in the nursing workforce.
Though many of EKU’s nursing graduates stay in Kentucky, many are also helping address the shortage beyond state lines as well.
LTJG (lieutenant junior grade) Uniquca Abrams, graduated from EKU’s baccalaureate nursing program in 2020 and is now serving in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. The USPHS Commissioned Corps serves through the federal government to provide essential healthcare to underserved and vulnerable populations and deploys for public health or global emergencies.
Currently, Abrams serves as a nurse in obstetrics for the Department of Health and Human Services within the Indian Health Service in Chinle, Arizona. The community is at the heart of the Navajo Nation, where she says the challenges of rural healthcare are profound.
“Resources are not always readily available or accessible due to the barriers created by the rural nature of living on the reservation,” she said.
Though she faces many unique and heightened challenges due to the nature of her work, Abrams said she finds plenty of fulfillment in her career.
“Being able to provide care and support to this resilient community is a privilege, and my passion for nursing and public health continues to grow,” she said.
Abrams also said she is grateful for her time at EKU because it prepared her to face the challenges of her profession. “The exceptional education I received at EKU paved the way for my current role.”
Going forward, EKU Nursing is continuing its dedication to addressing healthcare needs by educating more nurses like Abrams.
“We don’t just say we are game changers at EKU—we invest our time and efforts into educating and empowering our graduates to be game changers in their fields and communities,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Graduates like Uniquca make a positive impact wherever they go, whether in Kentucky or across the country.”
According to Dr. Lisa Jones, EKU Nursing associate chair and professor, over the course of each academic year, approximately 150 students graduate from the program. She added that a degree in nursing is incredibly useful in today’s world because it opens the door to several career opportunities.
“There's so much diversity in what they can do with this degree,” Jones said. “Our students are very highly sought after. We have recruiters that come to speak to our graduating students each semester, and most of our students already have job commitments before they graduate.”
EKU has gained national recognition for its nursing programs, including rankings in the Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing by U.S. News and World Report and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 by The Princeton Review. EKU’s School of Nursing offers educational opportunities from associate to doctoral degree programs, including fully online bachelor’s and graduate programs.