MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin is easing requirements for nursing instructors.
To help address a growing nurse shortage in the state, Governor Tony Evers has approved an emergency rule allowing some registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees to teach clinical nursing courses. Previously, instructors needed a master’s degree in nursing. State officials say the change will expand the pool of qualified faculty and help train more nurses.
Wisconsin hospitals reported nursing vacancy rates of up to 10% in 2023, and the state is projected to need nearly 14,000 additional nurses by 2045.