Enrolment up at St. Francis Xavier’s 2-year nursing program
A surge in enrolment at St. Francis Xavier University’s two-year nursing program is offering hope for Nova Scotia’s rural healthcare system. Amy Hallaran, the associate dean at the university’s school of nursing, revealed that 48 new students joined the program in January, a significant increase from the previous year’s intake of 31 students. The program’s popularity among mature students stems from its unique structure, which allows individuals with prior work experience and academic backgrounds to earn a nursing degree in a shorter timeframe.
According to Hallaran, the accelerated nature of the program enables students to enter the workforce sooner than if they pursued a traditional four-year degree. This is a crucial factor in addressing the severe shortage of nurses in rural Nova Scotia, where some hospitals are grappling with nurse vacancy rates as high as 80 percent. The growth of the two-year nursing program at St. FX has outpaced other nursing options at the university, with a total of 188 students enrolled across all nursing programs for the upcoming academic year, reflecting a seven percent increase from the previous year.
While the increase in enrolment at St. FX is a positive step, Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, emphasized that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the nursing shortage in the province. Hazelton stressed the importance of expanding nursing programs, recruiting international and out-of-province nurses, and improving retention strategies for young nurses. She highlighted the longstanding concerns within the nursing profession, including issues related to work conditions, burnout, benefits, salaries, and safety.
The two-year nursing program’s focus on attracting individuals with prior experience or academic backgrounds aligns with Hazelton’s vision of cultivating a dedicated and committed nursing workforce. By providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience in rural hospitals, the program aims to nurture a pipeline of healthcare professionals willing to serve in underserved areas. Eva Boyd, a current student in the program, shared her decision to pursue nursing at St. FX due to its accelerated format, allowing her to balance her academic pursuits with her family responsibilities.
As Nova Scotia grapples with a critical shortage of nurses in rural regions, initiatives like the two-year nursing program at St. Francis Xavier University offer a ray of hope for the future of healthcare in the province. The program’s emphasis on practical experience and commitment to serving rural communities underscores the importance of investing in nursing education to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Nova Scotians.
