College highlight

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW NURSING FACILITY

Submitted by Indian River State College

Healthcare is an ever-important industry, but it has seen immeasurable setbacks throughout the past few years. Between tough working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing staff burnout, the healthcare industry is facing a workforce shortage and careers such as nursing and nursing assistants are at an all-time high demand. A study conducted by the Florida Hospital Association predicts that by 2035, Florida will be short nearly 60,000 nurses.

Indian River State College (IRSC) is doing their part to face these staffing shortages and meet the industry’s growing need for talent. IRSC announced a new 50,000 square-foot nursing facility in January, which is scheduled to be completed by fall of 2023.

Currently, IRSC has the capacity for only 300 nursing students, and with increased demand for programs within the healthcare industry, IRSC leadership knew it needed to expand their facility. Dr. Timothy Moore, president of Indian River State College, said the new classrooms will be equipped with simulated clinical settings to help prepare students with the technical training that comes with being a nurse. only provide more opportunities for incoming students, but will also assist the state in meeting the healthcare industry’s critical need for trained healthcare professionals.

Indian River State College Staff celebrate the college’s new nursing facility.