An article in May 12, 2009’s Fresno Bee about Fresno State hoping to begin a doctoral program in nursing highlighted several complex issues faced by our state as we struggle to find solutions to the nursing shortage. Assembly Bill 867 which would allow the CSU system to start the program will next be going before the Appropriations Committee.  It will be interesting to see what action this committee takes considering the current fiscal situation in the state.  We have all heard about the budget crisis and the cuts to CSU campuses for the coming year.

While the state has increased the number of nursing graduates over the past few years through a variety of programs, there is a critical shortage of faculty.  What is not clear in the article is whether offering doctoral programs at CSU campuses would improve that situation since many studies about the shortage identify other factors that could improve the faculty numbers.

It is important for our state to continue to work for solutions to the nursing shortage—the impact for patients is critical.  But solutions won’t be easy, we cannot continue to put Band-Aids on our current systems, we have to have change that will provide lasting solutions in the years to come.  And as experience shows, that change will come slowly if at all in our current political and educational systems.

Here's a link if you are interested in following what happens to this legislation.  Just plug in AB 867 to get the current status:  http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html