Oklahoma City Faces Nursing Shortage, but Programs like OU Health are Taking Steps to Expand and Improve Care

Oklahoma City’s hospitals are struggling to fill necessary nursing positions, which has led to a growing concern about the nursing shortage in the state. Clinical assistant professor Beth Condley, who works at OU Health, understands the challenges faced by nurses in the field and is aware of the emotional and physical toll it takes on them.

As a former nursing unit manager, Condley has seen firsthand how the shortage impacts patient care. In response to this need, OU’s nursing program has taken steps to increase the number of graduating nurses by 52% in recent class cycles by accepting every eligible applicant. As the program expands, faculty members are placing a strong emphasis on mental health care and a holistic approach to patient treatment.

Melody Gallamore, a clinical instructor at OU Health, believes that addressing the mental health needs of patients can lead to better overall care, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare may be limited. By nurturing these qualities and training nurses to provide holistic care, OU Health hopes to address the nursing shortage in Oklahoma and improve patient outcomes across the state.

For those considering a career in nursing, OU Health advises that good candidates possess qualities such as compassion, empathy, and a strong desire to help others. By emphasizing these qualities and providing comprehensive training, OU Health aims to attract more nurses to the field and address the ongoing nursing shortage in Oklahoma City and beyond.