We all have stake in training nurses

Bakersfield Californian 3/8/07

The wait times in local emergency rooms can be shortened if local training programs, such as the one for nurses at Cal State Bakersfield, can be expanded. A shortage of nurses is a major reason for delays at hospitals and doctors' offices.

There is no problem attracting students to become nurses. But a national shortage exists due to lack of instructors and funds for training programs.

To lessen the shortage, hospitals, health care offices and groups need to help fund training programs. Local money will help create more available spots at Cal State Bakersfield and Bakersfield College.

Ten new students will be admitted to the nursing program at CSUB, bringing the total enrolled in the program per year to 100.

The expansion was made possible by grant money used to expand nursing programs. CSUB's cut of the $3 million Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger distributed was $240,000. The money will go toward funding one full-time position for two years.

Sixteen nursing programs were awarded funds, which were administered by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development through the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission. Although it is not enough to train the thousands of nurses needed in California, it's a start.

More needs to be done. Imagine what additional money from local hospitals, healthcare providers, employers and individuals could do. Help is needed. We all have a stake in improving the quality of medical care in Kern County. That means we need more nurses.