University of Minnesota nursing dean outlines VR, AI and statewide partnerships to address growing nurse shortage

Connie Delaney, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, told the Academic Health Committee of the Board of Regents on April 2026 that Minnesota is confronting a severe nursing workforce shortage and outlined a multipronged plan to expand capacity and retain graduates.

"We need over 31,000 more registered nurses and almost a similar complement of licensed practical nurses," Delaney said, framing the gap as a state and national problem and citing projections through 2030. She told Regents the University can leverage its systemwide campuses, partnerships with health systems, and new technologies to respond.

Delaney described three immediate levers: shared statewide coordination through the Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence (CNEE), a proposed statewide virtual-reality (VR) workforce hub to expand clinical training capacity, and targeted pathways to increase Indigenous representation in doctoral and professional nursing programs. "The CNEE serves as the official workforce center for nursing for the state of Minnesota," she said, noting the center was established in 2022 and is housed at the University.

The dean said faculty shortages and limited clinical placements have left roughly 2,000 program seats vacant or eliminated in the past three years, disproportionately affecting rural areas. She added that nursing faculty salaries lag clinical practice salaries by about $55,000 on average, a factor that complicates hiring and retention.

To increase clinical training without overburdening health systems, Delaney outlined the School's leadership in immersive simulation and virtual reality. "We're a national leader, an international leader in VR in the School of Nursing," she said, and the School is exploring a VR hub that could provide simulation-based experiences for students across Minnesota and reduce the need for some in-person clinical placements.

Delaney also described the School's 16-month accelerated MN program, its large doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, and the only PhD program in nursing in Minnesota, which she said are critical to producing both clinical practitioners and future faculty. She reported strong outcomes for recent graduates: a typical pass rate for licensure exams and, for 2024 graduates, 100% employment with about 80% staying in Minnesota.

Philanthropy and targeted scholarships are part of the response. Delaney noted a $10 million, 10-year award from the Bentson Foundation focused on the DNP program and a recent $2.2 million award to support undergraduate BSN and MN students. She also referenced a new "Bradford Scholarship" fund for student supports that has become available.

Regents pressed on practical steps. Regent Mary Turner asked how the CNEE helps fill unfilled seats at other Minnesota nursing schools; Delaney said the first step was building trust and sharing data, then exploring faculty-sharing arrangements and using VR to mitigate clinical site shortages. Student representative Ethan Ellis asked whether the University tracks where applicants who are not admitted end up; Delaney said the School redirects applicants when possible and welcomed using National Clearinghouse data to better track outcomes.

Regents also raised concerns about technology and regulation. Regent Turner asked whether increasing use of artificial intelligence could erode critical thinking; Delaney said the Schools AI work centers ethics and clinician judgment and pointed to a 2023 national initiative on AI ethics in nursing the School led. Turner and others cited a recent federal classification change that, according to speakers, could affect loan access; Delaney said the change has already demoralized some prospective students and cited at least one withdrawal tied to the decision.

On investment priorities, Delaney recommended stabilizing funding for the CNEE, advancing the VR hub as a cross-institution resource, and using scholarships and hiring incentives to expand faculty capacity. "If I was doing it right now, I'd probably spread across three baskets," she said, naming the VR hub and CNEE sustainment among them.

The presentation emphasized partnerships with health systems such as Fairview, Mayo and others, collaboration across University of Minnesota campuses (including Rochester, Duluth, Morris and Crookston), and statewide coordination with Minnesota State and private nursing programs. Delaney also highlighted programs to increase Indigenous student pathways and doctoral enrollment, noting HRSA support and formal agreements with the Indian Health Service.

The committee did not take formal action on the items presented. Chair R. Johnson thanked Delaney and adjourned the meeting.