Augusta Tech’s new LPN-to-RN program aims to shrink nursing shortage
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - If something doesn’t change soon, the nursing shortage in Georgia could get worse.
According to the Bureau of Health Workforce, Georgia will need an additional 2,200 nurses by 2030.
This semester, Augusta Tech launched a new LPN-to-RN bridge program. The program allows LPNs to become RNs within a year.
Dr. Ebony Story, the head of the nursing department, says this program will help alleviate the nursing shortage on their end and help grow the local workforce.
“So much of nursing is taking care of others,” said Story. “This is taking care of the LPNs which are those others to me.”
Stephanie McCoy is a student in the bridge program.
“Even in school, going for my LPN, it was always my dream to be an RN. So, I was one of the ones that would continuously ask her about the bridge program,” said McCoy.
Dr. Story said: “Prior to this, they would either have to go back through a traditional RN program which could take anywhere from 18 months to another two years.”
The bridge program is 12 months and three semesters.
Margaret Broddie is also a student in the bridge program.
“I had chosen to start the RN program 25 years ago, but life got in the way, so I was unable to,” said Broddie.
The program aims to help people like Broddie and McCoy, while also helping local hospitals too.
We checked in with some of our local hospitals.
Doctors Hospital said they have 75 vacant nursing positions. They added that since 2022, they’ve increased their RN staff by 10%.
Wellstar MCG sent us this statement: “Despite the same struggles with nurse staffing as all hospitals have faced since the pandemic, our vacancy and RN turnover rates are actually starting to improve. We still have challenges and have to rely on contract labor and staffing incentives, but this too is starting to get better. We are very optimistic about our partnership with Wellstar and plan to see the progress we have made improve even more.”
Dr. Story said: “These students that are currently LPNs, and maybe working in long-term care or some physician’s offices, they will be able to actually go into the hospitals and help out more at the bedside and be able to help us shrink that nurse shortage right here in Augusta.”
Once students graduate from the program, they’ll be ready for their nursing exams, bringing them one step closer to the workforce.
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