Purdue School of Nursing responds to demand for registered nurses

Purdue University School of Nursing is doubling down on graduates due to an increased worldwide demand for registered nurses (RNs).

According to the Journal of Nursing Regulation, one million RNs will retire by 2030. To compound the issue, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates over 200,000 new RNs are needed each year through 2026. Globally, one million nurses are needed by next year, according to the World Health Organization.

In order to keep up with demand, Nancy Edwards, associate professor of Purdue School of Nursing, says the school has increased its number of nursing degrees awarded to 200 in 2019, up from just over 100 last year.

There are currently about 800 undergraduate nursing students at Purdue—doubling the amount in recent years. The School of Nursing receives about 1400 applicants per year, and approximately 200 students are admitted annually.

The annual demand is strong in Indiana. Jean Putnam, executive vice president and chief nursing officer of Indianapolis-based Community Health Network is hiring about 500 RNs each year. Putnam received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Purdue University.