Rural Georgia Hospital and Tech College Partner to Fill Nursing Gap

Rising Challenges in the Nursing Field

Jayden Yarbrough, a student at South Georgia Technical College, is preparing to graduate from the school’s licensed practical nursing program this summer. Her graduation comes at a time when the nursing field is experiencing significant staffing challenges. Yarbrough admits she is concerned about the stress and burnout that many nurses face.

Experts in the healthcare industry note that while the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the existing nursing shortage, it is not the sole cause of the current crisis. Phil Dickison, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, explains that issues such as staffing shortages, stress, and burnout have been present before, during, and after the pandemic. He emphasizes that these problems cannot be attributed solely to the pandemic anymore.

Addressing the Shortage Through Education

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) is taking proactive steps to address these challenges by introducing a one-year LPN to RN bridge program. This program is designed for licensed practical nurses who have been working for at least six months, allowing them to pursue an associate degree in nursing. The initiative has received strong support from the community, with Dr. John Watford, SGTC President, highlighting the importance of the program for both students and the local healthcare system.

The program, set to begin in August 2025, will start with an initial class of 40 licensed practical nurses. Community partner Phoebe Sumter Medical Center sees the program as a way to create a consistent pipeline of qualified nurses. Kelsey Reed, Chief Nursing Officer at Phoebe Sumter, states that building academic partnerships is essential for filling gaps in the workforce and supporting the community.

A Commitment to Rural Communities

Dr. Watford highlights the urgency of the program, noting that it is not only beneficial for students but also critical for the future of rural communities. A survey several years ago revealed that 80% of SGTC students die within 30 miles of where they were born. This statistic underscores the deep connection many residents have with their communities, making it essential to provide local healthcare opportunities.

Brittany Wills, an LPN student and paramedic, exemplifies this commitment. She has always been passionate about healthcare and sees the program as a way to further her career in the place she calls home. Wills notes that nursing shortages affect patient care and place additional stress on healthcare providers, which is why she and her classmates are eager to contribute to improving the situation.

Expanding Opportunities and Support

Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is also investing in its employees by offering tuition reimbursement and other educational resources. Many of the students in the bridge program are already employees of the medical center, and Kelsey Reed emphasizes the importance of supporting their continued education. She believes that partnerships with technical colleges help build a strong pipeline of healthcare workers.

In addition to nursing roles, there is a growing need for ancillary healthcare positions such as certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, radiology assistants, phlebotomists, and lab personnel. These roles are crucial for maintaining a well-rounded healthcare team, and technical colleges play a key role in training individuals for these positions.

How to Get Started

For those interested in enrolling in the LPN to RN bridge program, they can contact SGTC Admissions Director Candie Walters at cwalters@southgatech.edu or visit the SGTC website to apply. The program aims to provide students with the tools and resources needed to advance their careers and contribute to their communities.