Budget cuts could worsen projected nursing shortage in Tennessee

Budget cuts could mean fewer students in some Tennessee nursing programs, raising concern among nursing educators, advocates, and hospitals that a projected statewide shortage of nurses could worsen. Faced with a mandate to cut its budget by 20% and with the loss of two major grants, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's College of Nursing recently said it might have to admit 50% fewer undergraduates this fall. Programs at other state colleges and universities, meanwhile, are cutting back on purchases of equipment and office supplies among ways to meet the mandate. Such moves concern those who expect more need for nurses to care for an aging and more chronically ill population.