MIDLAND, Texas — For the past few years, the nation has faced a serious shortage of nurses, and it's no different in West Texas.
Michael Austin, CEO of Midland Community Healthcare Services, explained that nursing is more so a calling than just like any other job. He said, "it takes a special type of person to go into that field and thrive.
Austin said the nationwide nurse shortage has been building for over a decade.
"You had a high population of nurses and medical professionals from the baby boomer generation who are aging toward retirement," Austin said. "They're moving out of the job market, and there haven’t been enough people coming up behind them to backfill those positions."
Several factors could be contributing to the shortage, including burnout, poor retention and possibly a lack of interest in the field. However, in the Permian Basin, one challenge is the lack of entry-level positions.
"It's kind of a slow burn because I know the local colleges have started nursing programs. UTPB has started a nursing program, and we support those by offering clinical experiences for their nursing students, but those programs are only a few years old," Austin said.
While Austin said they’re beginning to see the benefits of local programs, the issue remains — the need for more nurses.
"It's in high demand, it pays well and it's hard work," Austin said. "People have to be cut out for it and have the right personality because nurses are the backbone of our medical infrastructure."
The hope is that those with the skill and passion for nursing not only stay in the field but choose to stay in West Texas as well.