BOISE, Idaho — A new partnership between Boise State University and the Boise VA Medical Center is giving students hands-on experience.
The coronavirus pandemic exposed the need for more frontline healthcare workers, specifically nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections for 2019-2029 predicts the industry will grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, a 7% increase. The Bureau also projects 175,900 openings for registered nurses each year through 2029 with retirement and workforce exits considered.
In an effort to support that growth, Boise State and the Boise VA Medical Center partnered up to offer a post-graduate nursing residency at the hospital. This partnership offers real-world experience and a smooth transition into the workforce for new nurses and ensures the VA is adequately staffed with qualified and local prospects.
"Coming from Boise State makes a big difference. We’re still in the community. We’re learning within the community. We take clinicals at school throughout this community. It shows the investment on the VA side into the local community as well," said Ben Biery, the Medical Center's Veterans Experience Officer.
The VA says they take as many Boise State graduates as possible throughout the school year and look forward to hiring new talent.
