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New RN Program Coming to Andrews, Could Help With Nursing Shortage
New RN Program Coming to Andrews, Could Help With Nursing Shortage 9/14/12
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
September 14, 2012
ANDREWS, TX - With a shortage of nurses across the nation., a new program expansion at Odessa college may bring relief to this growing problem.
Odessa’s college's new hybrid RN program is coming to Andrews and officials say it will help put the small city on the map.
The shortage in nurses is a growing problem across the nation. But for the city of Andrews they're preparing for more nurses by expanding their current Business and Technology Center to 3,500 square feet for a new RN program from Odessa college.
" I certainly think that the registered nursing program is going to compliment what we already have. It's going to assist our hospital, our nursing home and where these students currently do clinical," said Andrews City Manager Glen Hackler.
The program consists of hybrid classes, some online and others at the Andrew's Business and Technology Center. It’s a unique factor that officials say will attract more people to the city.
"It makes us more of a hub, for these types of training opportunities and so over all it's a great piece of the puzzle in turns of bringing specialized training to Andrews," stated Hackler.
The program is for licensed vocational nurses that want to transition to be registered nurses; which are in high demand.
"Hospitals are now hiring more RNs and less LVNs and so this program will definitely help fill the nursing shortage," said Odessa College Director of Nursing Clarice Kimbriel.
Now as the city of Andrews prepares for the expansion, Odessa College is hoping more sign up, to fill the classroom seats and the void in the health care system.
The program is set to start by fall 2013. Odessa College is looking for more professors and students to sign up. For more information call 432- 335-6685.