Pennsylvania is facing an urgent nursing shortage that threatens the foundation of our health care system. The numbers are staggering -- by 2026, the state is projected to be short 20,000 nurses, exacerbating an already strained workforce. Without decisive action, hospitals and health care facilities across the commonwealth will struggle to provide the high-quality care that patients deserve.
As Dean of Duquesne University's School of Nursing, I have seen firsthand the challenges our students and graduates face. These aspiring nurses are passionate, dedicated and eager to serve, but the financial burden of their education and the increasing demands on the profession make it harder than ever to enter and remain in the field. That's why Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed Nursing Shortage Assistance Program is a game-changer for Pennsylvania.
This innovative program tackles the crisis from both ends -- helping students afford nursing school while also ensuring hospitals have the skilled professionals they need. Under this initiative, students receive tuition support in exchange for a three-year commitment to work at a Pennsylvania hospital after graduation. This not only provides financial relief to students but also creates a steady pipeline of well-trained nurses entering the workforce.
The benefits of this program extend beyond individual students and hospitals -- it's an investment in the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. When hospitals are short-staffed, patient care suffers. Longer wait times, increased medical errors and staff burnout are just a few of the consequences. By ensuring a strong, stable nursing workforce, we are safeguarding the future of health care in our communities.
This program is also a critical step toward addressing health care disparities. By providing a clear, affordable pathway into the profession, it opens doors for students from diverse financial backgrounds who may have otherwise been unable to pursue a nursing career. Research shows that a diverse nursing workforce leads to better patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
Pennsylvania has the opportunity to lead the nation in addressing the nursing shortage with a forward-thinking, pragmatic solution. I urge state legislators to support the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program and make it a reality. Our health care system -- and the patients who rely on it -- depend on it.