According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the state is expected to face a shortage of approximately 20,000 nurses by 2040.
Daniel Wright, the chief nursing officer at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, is actively addressing the anticipated shortage in the healthcare workforce.
“There’s a significant number of aging individuals who are approaching retirement, and simultaneously, we have a rising population of seniors who will require care as they age. The convergence of these factors is generating a pressing demand for more nurses,” stated Wright.
Daniel Wright, the chief nursing officer at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, is actively addressing the anticipated shortage in the healthcare workforce.
Wright always had a deep sense of calling towards nursing, although it wasn’t his initial career choice. At the age of 28, he made a bold decision to leave behind his job in the insurance industry and utilized his 401k savings to pursue nursing school.
Since July 2023, over 80% of nurse interns at Columbia St. Mary’s have transitioned into full-time staff members, according to him.
He emphasized the importance of individuals who are passionate, committed, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.
Sophie Lynch, who works in labor and delivery, emphasized the importance of introducing children and teenagers to the nursing field from an early age. In her own experience, she believes that educating young individuals about the various opportunities in nursing is essential.
During career day in middle and high school, I had the chance to engage with professionals from various fields. This experience proved to be immensely beneficial as it helped me gain insights and discern where I could potentially find my place in the future.
Emily Scott, who works in the neuroscience intensive care unit, emphasizes the profound impact nurses can have on their patients. She believes that observing the deep connection between nurses and their patients serves as a source of inspiration for many individuals considering a career in nursing.
“I witnessed firsthand the compassionate care my mother, my family, and I received from the nurses. It left an indelible mark on me, inspiring me to make a similar difference in others’ lives,” she shared.