UCF nursing students actively participating in practical training to prepare for their careers in healthcare.
As Jenna Koo, a final-year nursing student at UCF, approaches graduation, she remains focused on the severe nursing shortage in Florida. With projections indicating a lack of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035, Jenna reflects on her training, the impact of burnout in the profession, and her upcoming role as an emergency department nurse. UCF’s College of Nursing aims to address the shortage by increasing the number of graduates, with Jenna being part of the solution during this critical time for healthcare in the state.
Orlando, Florida – The vibrant community at the University of Central Florida is buzzing with excitement as Jenna Koo approaches graduation. As a final-year nursing student, Jenna is navigating her final preparations while keeping a keen eye on a pressing issue in the nursing field: Florida is projected to face a staggering shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by the year 2035. This prediction comes from the Florida Hospital Association, shedding light on the challenges waiting down the road for not just future nurses, but for all patients in the state.
The nursing workforce is currently experiencing turbulent times. Recent data indicates that around 138,000 nurses have departed from their professions since 2022 due to factors such as short staffing, overwhelming workloads, and significant burnout. These challenges have created a ripple effect, causing concern throughout the healthcare community.
Amid these statistics, Jenna remains dedicated to her career path. She recognizes the emotional toll that the nursing profession can take, especially when faced with the hardships of watching patients struggle or even pass away. However, Jenna’s passion for nursing fuels her commitment, as she understands the critical role that compassionate care plays in the lives of others.
As she prepares for her future career, Jenna highlights the importance of foundational knowledge in subjects like anatomy and biology. These subjects are not merely academic hurdles; they form the building blocks necessary for effective patient care. During her training, Jenna has honed practical skills as well, such as blood pressure readings, making her ready for the challenges ahead.
With Central Florida’s population steadily increasing, the strain on the already limited nursing resources is set to intensify. The area’s demographic growth presents a significant challenge in addressing the impending nursing shortage. To counteract this trend, the College of Nursing at UCF is strategically planning its future. This upcoming August, the college will transition to a brand-new facility in Lake Nona, aiming to ramp up their output by graduating an additional 150 nurses annually who will soon be eligible for licensure.
Jenna is not just focusing on the challenges that lie ahead; she has proactively secured a position as an emergency department nurse. This role excites her because it encapsulates the most rewarding aspects of nursing. There’s something deeply fulfilling about when patients express their heartfelt gratitude for the care they receive, and Jenna is eager to experience those moments firsthand.
The nursing profession is in need of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals like Jenna. As the next wave of healthcare professionals prepares to Enter the field, they will face numerous hardships, but also immense opportunities to make a tangible difference. The nursing shortage in Florida serves as a rallying call for aspiring nurses to step up to the plate, embracing the challenges that come with this critical, impactful profession.
The journey for students like Jenna Koo is just beginning, but with solid education, training, and a commitment to patient care, they are on course to fill the gaps in the workforce. As UCF prepares its students for the future, it’s important that everyone recognizes the value and necessity of nurses in building a better healthcare system for all of Florida.
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