- A college in Bainbridge is offering a rare opportunity for our future nurses.
- Nurse Journal.org reports that teacher shortages combined with more nurses falling out of the workforce and increased demand for health care are creating an ongoing shortage of nurses.
- Watch the story to learn how a local coach will lead the next generation of nurses.
Broadcast text:
A college in Bainbridge is offering a rare opportunity for our future nurses. I take a hard look at the needs of our community and who is stepping up to help.
Brady Howard told me she was born and raised in Bainbridge and has worked as a nurse here for the past 18 years. “It is an honor to have this opportunity,” Howard said.
Nurse Journal.org reports that teacher shortages combined with more nurses falling out of the workforce and increased demand for health care are creating an ongoing shortage of nurses.
Next spring, Howard will be teaching our future nurses who will attend the newly formed evening nursing program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to help fill this need in our area.
“I was already working the night shift… I was like… this is perfect for me,” Howard said.
ABAC student Natalie Higuain told me that when she looked for night nursing programs in big cities like Tallahassee and Thomasville, she didn't find what she was looking for.
“There is no option locally for a night program. Bainbridge was the closest option to me,” Higuain said.
According to U.S. Census data, approximately 18% of Bainbridge's neighbors work in the health care sector.
Holly Barwich has worked as a medical assistant for the past 12 years at Magnolia Women's Center in Bainbridge.
She and Higuain told me they are thrilled to grow without having to sacrifice their day jobs.
“Working 40 hours a week at a full-time job. I don't want to have to give up my job [because] “I was there for 12 years,” Barwick said.
“I can't give up my income from my full-time job,” Higuain said.
Howard said it can be difficult to find staff for night rotations, but she knows she is the right person for the job.
Knowing she was helping the next generation of nurses, she told me –
“This makes my heart skip a beat. Being able to fulfill their dreams of becoming nurses is amazing,” Howard said.
Night nursing courses are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025.
Those interested in learning more are invited to attend an information meeting on March 27 at 3 pm at the ABAC campus in Bainbridge.
