The healthcare profession is at a pivotal moment. A growing crisis is evident across various sectors, driven by healthcare workforce shortages and a lack of skilled professionals prepared to thrive in high-stress environments. The recent global pandemic intensified this issue, leading to higher turnover rates among new nurses who often opt for less demanding roles. This trend poses a significant threat to the very foundation of our care systems. The post-acute care, or home health care area, is especially in dire need of staff and staff commitment. But there’s a solution. Chamberlain University’s Practice Ready. Specialty Focused. ® Nurse Education Model
(PRSF) program is designed to address this need.
Traditionally, entering fields like home care has required considerable experience, creating barriers for newly graduated nurses. However, with the workforce shortage deepening, it’s clear that a new approach is needed to prepare emerging nursing professionals for these critical roles. Conventional methods for workforce retention — such as reactive incentives like overtime pay—are no longer sufficient. We must transition toward proactive strategies that genuinely support and nurture the nursing workforce. The PRSF program offers students the opportunity to take an online didactic course in one or more nursing specialties followed by an optional clinical experience in that specialty.
The Introduction to Home Healthcare Nursing course can help nursing students prepare for the home health nursing specialty through tailored educational experiences. Since its launch in May 2023, over 100 students have taken the course, with the overwhelming majority expressing satisfaction and an increased interest in learning more about home health.
The demand for home-based care and skilled home care nurses has never been greater, as evidenced by the doubling of home health agencies since 2005. This demand is not only due to a rapidly increasing aging population and life expectancy but is also the result of a worldwide pandemic. As the populace stayed home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, healthcare institutions increased their investment in and use of virtual healthcare technology. Patients became more accustomed to virtual health and began to demand more home-based care, especially for those with disabilities, and the ease of scheduling appointments without having to travel.
Innovative educational models, such as the PRSF program, which integrates performance-based competencies with community partnerships, can equip graduates with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of home care and other specialized areas.
Home-based care is becoming increasingly vital as individuals seek services in familiar environments. Yet, the current workforce does not adequately reflect this demand. By providing hands-on experiences and insights into the unique challenges of home care, we can inspire a new generation of nursing professionals to embrace this essential field.
Collaboration with community organizations can help bridge the gap between education and practice, ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet evolving needs. Preceptor programs can foster supportive environments that enhance the transition from learning to real-world application.
By prioritizing home-based services and developing a pipeline of skilled, specialty-focused nursing professionals, we can better prepare our systems for future challenges. Investing in the next generation of workers is not just essential; it’s a societal imperative. Through innovative educational approaches, we can empower individuals to find fulfillment and competence within their work, ultimately improving patient outcomes across various fields.
This article was co-authored by Elaine Vernoia, MBA, Program Coordinator; Danika Bowen, EdD, MBA, Vice President of Operations and Program Director; and Cheri Hunt, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Assessment Manager/Project Consultant—all from the Practice Ready. Specialty Focused.® Nurse Education Program at Chamberlain University.
The post The Time for Action Is Now: We Must Take Bold Steps to Transform the Nursing Profession first appeared on Daily Nurse.