Requesting The University Of Hawaii - West Oahu To Re-establish Its Partnership With The University Of Hawaii At Hilo To Provide A Pre-nursing Pathway For Students.
The re-establishment of the pre-nursing pathway is seen as a strategic move to increase the number of qualified nursing candidates in central and western Oahu. The absence of such a program since 2017 has created a gap in access to nursing education for local students. By reinstating this partnership and pathway, the state could potentially increase its pool of nursing professionals, ultimately addressing healthcare needs more effectively. The proposal aligns with broader state efforts to strengthen healthcare education and workforce preparedness.
Senate Resolution 29 (SR29) requests the University of Hawaii - West Oahu to re-establish its partnership with the University of Hawaii at Hilo to provide a pre-nursing pathway for students. This pathway would allow students at West Oahu to take prerequisite courses necessary for application to accredited nursing programs, enhancing their opportunities to pursue nursing careers. The resolution emphasizes the importance of having local nursing education options, particularly in light of the state's significant nursing shortage, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The general sentiment around SR29 appears to be supportive, with a recognition of the need for more nursing professionals within the state. Advocates argue that the bill addresses critical gaps in nursing education access and highlights the foresight of enhancing healthcare capabilities in Hawaii. While there may be limited contention publicly, the focus remains largely on the necessity and urgency of developing local nursing talent.
While the resolution itself may not encounter significant opposition, the success of re-establishing the pre-nursing pathway will depend on effective collaboration between the two universities and potentially securing funding and resources to sustain such a program. The challenges might involve logistical considerations, such as curriculum development and ensuring adequate faculty and facilities to equip the nursing program. Nevertheless, supporters assert that the long-term benefits to public health make this initiative worthwhile.