In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical updates regarding the nursing education program in Highlands County, emphasizing the urgent need for qualified nursing instructors to support the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Scott Morgan, the Career Technical Education Specialist, highlighted the significant investment of over $750,000 in nursing equipment across three high schools, enabling students to pursue certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Patient Care Technician.

Despite the advancements, the program faces challenges in retaining qualified instructors due to competitive salaries in the healthcare industry. Currently, the district lacks a registered nurse (RN) on staff at one of the schools, which is essential for offering CNA courses. Morgan noted that the proposed starting wage for nursing instructors is $38.26 per hour, amounting to approximately $59,000 annually, which still falls short compared to industry standards where RNs earn upwards of $80,000.

The meeting underscored the importance of attracting and retaining skilled nursing educators to ensure the success of the program, which has seen fluctuating enrollment numbers. For instance, Lake Placid High currently has 120 students enrolled in its medical program, but the absence of an instructor puts the future of the program at risk.

Officials also discussed the broader implications of the nursing shortage, with projections indicating a deficit of over 78,000 nurses in Florida. The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community and stakeholders to support the nursing education initiative, which is seen as a vital step in addressing the impending healthcare crisis.