Maui College addresses nursing program challenges and BSN expansion plans

The University of Hawaii's nursing program is facing significant challenges, particularly in faculty recruitment and the transition of students to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. During a recent joint public hearing held by the Hawaii House Committee on Higher Education & Technology, interim Vice President Della Teraoka highlighted the university's commitment to addressing these issues.

Testimony from Maui College's nursing faculty underscored the struggle to attract qualified educators. Anne Scharnhorst, a nursing professor and department chair, noted that while they have a dedicated group of working nurses supporting the program, many qualified candidates opt for service roles due to higher pay. Despite these challenges, Scharnhorst expressed confidence in their staffing levels, stating that they are fully staffed and only require one additional faculty member in the third year of their initiative.

The discussion also touched on clinical placements, with Scharnhorst reassuring committee members that the college has ample capacity for clinical training. Currently, Maui College admits 80 nursing students annually and plans to expand this to 90, with strong support from local healthcare facilities. The chief nurse executive at Maui Memorial confirmed that they are well-prepared to accommodate the increased number of students.

However, the transition from associate degrees to BSN programs remains a concern. Since the establishment of the Hawaii Statewide Nursing Consortium in 2012, which aimed to create a seamless pathway for community college students to pursue their bachelor's degrees, only about 20% of graduates have followed this route. Scharnhorst pointed out that Maui currently has just over 50% of its nurses holding BSN degrees, indicating a significant gap compared to state averages.

As the University of Hawaii continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on enhancing nursing education and ensuring that local healthcare needs are met. The committee's discussions reflect a broader commitment to improving nursing workforce development in Hawaii, with anticipated outcomes aimed at bolstering both faculty recruitment and student success in advancing their nursing careers.