Will COVID-19 make the nursing shortage worse?

We're finding out how enrollment looks at local nursing programs

Office./// nurses were in high demand before the coronavirus outbreak... is this pandemic only going to make that shortage worse?

Kimt news 3's isabella basco is finding out if students are still interested in working on healthcare's front lines and she joins us live now.

Isabella?

Live katie..it turns out so far?

The pandemic hasn't scared many off from the healthcare profession.

Rochester community and technical college has actually maxed out enrollment for its nursing program.

And the university of minnesota rochester's health science program is up in enrollment?

By over 2?

Percent.xxx working in healthcare requires interpersonal skills... critical thinking... stamina and resilience.

Susan jansen?

The associate dean of nursing at rctc believes nurses are appreciated for those traits now?

More than ever.

"i think it's an exciting time for nursing because we are so needed and we play a really vital role in helping people."

But students don't just want to become nurses?

They are interested in all facets of healthcare.

"public health, health policy, the leadership of healthcare, the business of healthcare, emerging health technologies is an area that of course is absolutely exploding."

University of minnesota rochester chancellor lori carrell believes the fight against coronavirus will actually change the trajectory of more lives than just students.

"we're imagining that young people, maybe even children are currently being inspired by the healthcare workers and by the scientists, who are making discoveries and by the public health officials."

This global pandemic might be instilling fear and anxiety for some.

But it might also inspire wonder... curiosity and a call for action from the next generation.

"nursing is one of those careers that you can keep your whole life."

"it takes courage and it takes talent as of now?

Both rctc and ??r are still finalizing plans for the fall.

There is no set decision on whether they will fully reopen on campus.

Live in rochester?

Isabella basco?

Kimt news 3./// thanks isabella.

Both colleges are currently accepting applications./// let's take a live