Nashville, TN - Amid a growing shortage of nurses across Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital is taking proactive steps to address the issue by hosting a free “Come Explore Nursing” event. This informative session, held in partnership with Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing, aims to inspire individuals to pursue a fulfilling career in nursing while showcasing educational pathways into the field.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, located at 4220 Harding Pike, Nashville. It will provide prospective students with the chance to connect with university faculty, hospital leadership, and current nursing students. Attendees can also gain insights into Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program—a fast-paced 16-month course blending online classes, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations—and their Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program within the Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum.
Angela Bailey, site director for Marian University’s ABSN program, emphasized the accessibility of nursing for individuals from diverse backgrounds, saying, “We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, including those seeking a career change, to learn about the tremendous opportunities in this dynamic industry.”
The demand for nurses is pressing, with the Tennessee Hospital Association projecting a shortfall of 8,500 nurses by 2035.
Ascension Saint Thomas Vice President of Nursing Amir Hamad underscores the significance of events like this one, stating, “These gatherings connect aspiring nurses with resources and pathways needed to enter this rewarding field.”
To learn more or register for the event, visit bit.ly/NASHCEN. This initiative not only aims to educate but also to cultivate the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals to strengthen Tennessee’s healthcare workforce.
Local talk radio program focuses on these topics, Tuesday (April 8, 2025)
Segment 1: "Nursing Shortage" from 8:15-8:30AM
On Tuesday, April 8, the nursing shortage will be the focus on a medically oriented radio program over WGNS (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, and streamed at WGNSradio.com). This will be in the 8:15-8:30AM segment.
Segment 2: "Women's Heart Issues" from 8:30-9:00AM
Medical Director Nishtha Sareen of the local women's heart program will tell about the leading cause of death among women. The Murfreesboro St. Thomas Heart is launching the Women's Program to transform cardiovascular care for women through prevention, early detection, and a multi-disciplinary approach.
About Ascension Saint Thomas
Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, nonprofit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 250 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of 18 hospitals and a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its partner organizations employ more than 13,000 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
