OU College Of Nursing Program Seeking To Fill Gaps In Oklahoma Nursing Shortage

As the nursing shortage across Oklahoma continues, a program in Oklahoma City may help fill the the gaps in hospitals across the state.

Beth Condley, a clinical assistant professor at OU Nursing, says nursing is a tough field emotionally and physically, which could contribute to the nursing shortage in Oklahoma City.

"I was a manager for a unit in the metro and witnessed firsthand the shortage in nursing," Condley said.

To help combat the need for nurses, OU’s nursing program has increased its graduating classes by 52% by accepting every eligible applicant over the last three class cycles.

As the classroom expands, faculty members say they emphasize mental health to care for the patient as a whole and hopefully get staff in rural areas.

“That holistic approach is really what we're trying to do at the university," OU Health Clinical Instructor Melody Gallamore said. "To provide the best care, because we are all a whole person."

For those interested in becoming a nurse, OU Nursing says good candidates have compassion, empathy, and a drive to help people.