45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THAT THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION CONDUCT A STUDY AND PROVIDE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PH.D. NURSING PROGRAM TO ADDRESS THE NURSING AND TEACHING SHORTAGES.

WHEREAS, over one hundred thousand nurses are needed to fill hospital vacancies nationwide; and

WHEREAS, approximately one thousand nurses are needed in New Mexico to fill vacancies in the state; and

WHEREAS, the average age of nurses is in the mid- to late forties, thus creating a work force considerably close to retirement and difficult and costly to replace; and

WHEREAS, nurses are critical to the effective delivery of health care in all settings; and

WHEREAS, a greater proportion of the population is aging and living longer, which in turn creates a greater demand for nurses; and

WHEREAS, the state must address the shortage of nurses through education as well as through recruitment and retention; and

WHEREAS, the availability of nurses with Ph.D.s is important to accreditation requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the commission on higher education conduct a study on the development of a Ph.D. nursing program to address the teaching, recruitment and retention needs of the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission on higher education consider the qualifications needed for the education and training at the various levels of nursing degrees, certification, licensure and credentialing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission on higher education report its findings and recommendations by October 1, 2002 to the legislative health subcommittee or an appropriate interim committee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the commission on higher education.