BOISE, Idaho — As the Treasure Valley continues to grow, so does the need for critical resources like health care.
The Gem State is facing a substantial shortage of health care staffing - including nurses. According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Idaho ranks 50th in the country for nurses per capita. To help fill the gaps, some local universities have massive plans to expand and address health care shortages.
Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa is planning to expand their nursing program through a campaign called We CARE. NNU's nursing program is currently spread out across campus, the university plans to centralize the program by fundraising to remodel and rebuild facilities.
"We have created some makeshift spaces, and we've been making do for a good couple of years." NNU College of Nursing Dean Dr. Linda Valenzuela said. "Now it's now time that we have to settle into one centralized location where all of us are together."
Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) said Idaho will need another 3,600 nurses by 2030 to keep up with current demand and growth - a 23.5% increase to the state's current nursing workforce.
"We have a real shortage of nurses, but we also have a shortage of educators that are able to teach nursing," Valenzuela said. "So that combined with a lack of space, it creates challenges. Here at NNU, we don't believe in a waitlist. We really strongly believe that if God puts it on your heart to be a nurse, we want to be able to support you and help you fulfill your dream."
The university also said an expansion will help them keep up with the latest technology to bring better care to the Treasure Valley - which continues to see an influx of people.
"We're living longer, and with our technology and our advancements in health care, there's so many more options," Valenzuela said. "But that also means that the nurse must be even highly skilled than before, and so that creates a need for some very high technical education. "
Idaho State University
Idaho State University in Meridian also plans to help fill in gaps in the Treasure Valley's health care industry with its own expansion.
"When you look at the growth of the need in healthcare, it's substantial," ISU Vice President for Health Services Rex Force said. "Our programs are growing with that statewide need."
ISU is expanding its diverse set of health care programming with upcoming plans to add dental and anesthetist programs, and an undergraduate accelerated nursing program.
The university also plans on adding a Health and Science Center at a 23-acre location just north of its Meridian campus.
"It's really potentially a conglomeration of different things. It's research spaces, clinical spaces, student-focused spaces such as housing and food services, as well as student recreation facilities." Force said.
Resources that could add a lifeline to the Gem State's health care industry.
"We've been assigned as the health science educator for the state of Idaho," ISU College of Health Interim Dean Dr. Gabe Bargen said. "So that's one of the reasons why it's super important for us as Idaho State to figure out what are those needs across the state - and how do we best meet them."