Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui Campus.
The resolution emphasizes that establishing a dedicated BSN program at the Maui campus would provide local students with a direct pathway to advanced nursing education. This would not only enhance the qualification levels of nursing professionals in the area but would also support the local healthcare facilities, which currently have ample clinical placements available for students to gain necessary experience. Such a move is positioned as pivotal in addressing the state-wide nurse shortage, which has been identified as an urgent issue.
House Resolution 66 urges the University of Hawaii President and Board of Regents to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. It highlights the increasing demand for healthcare services in Maui due to a growing and aging population, which necessitates a larger pool of qualified nursing professionals to meet the community's healthcare needs. Currently, Maui offers limited nursing education at the associate level, and many graduates are unable to transition smoothly to complete their bachelor's degrees due to logistical challenges.
Despite the potential benefits, the bill underscores historical challenges, noting that since 2012, less than 20% of Associate in Science in Nursing graduates have enrolled in the Hawaii Statewide Nursing Consortium at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, primarily due to their commitments to the Maui workforce. This has raised concerns about the practical limitations faced by local students who wish to further their education while also contributing to the local healthcare landscape. The resolution calls for appropriate support and resources to develop this program to ensure successful implementation.