Kansas lawmakers work on solutions as nursing shortage worsens

TOPEKA (KSNT) — The Kansas Nursing industry has been a big topic in recent legislative meetings, as lawmakers scramble to solve the state’s nursing shortage.

During the Special Committee on Health and Social Services meeting on Oct. 2, lawmakers gave recommendations on how to help the nursing industry. According to data from the University of Kansas Medical Center, the nursing workforce in Kansas has been on the decline since 2019, and about 25% of nurses plan to leave the profession in the next five years.

Lawmakers say they are focused on finding ways to encourage young Kansans to enter the industry. One of their recommendations is to increase scholarship opportunities for those seeking medical degrees in Kansas.

Additionally, the committee noted that large state hospitals such as the Larned and Osawatomie Hospitals are struggling to keep up with patients. As a result, some lawmakers have suggested finding out if smaller community hospitals may be able to take in extra patients.

Ultimately, Representative Sandy Pickert said it all stems back to encouraging young Kansans to enter the industry. She is sending a strong message to aspiring nurses.

“I think it’s a great industry to be a part of,” Pickert said. “I’ve been a nurse for a long time. It’s served me very well. It takes a lot of studying and hard work to be a nurse but if you have that desire, especially to serve people, I say go for it.”

Currently, the state spends about $40 million on contract nursing every year. This brings in nurses from out of state to help with the shortage in Kansas.

The legislature has made it clear – this is a hefty price tag. Lawmakers say they would like to hire more local nurses to avoid contract nursing altogether.

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