Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr Visits UK College of Nursing

Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr visited the UK College of Nursing to learn more about its efforts in advancing Kentucky's nursing workforce and nursing science on Tues., April 5. Congressman Barr met with Dr. Janie Heath, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing, as well as Dr. Pat Howard, executive vice dean of academic affairs and partnerships, and toured the third floor undergraduate nursing lounge and the Clinical Simulation and Learning Center. 

According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, there are 66,893 active registered nurses (RNs) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and a critical factor in today's nursing workforce is how much education these RNs are equipped with. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report on the Future of Nursing outlined a specific educational goal—80 percent of RNs should be educated with a minimum of a BSN—in order to provide the best patient care and allow nurses to practice to their fullest scope. 

In response to this call, our College has dedicated leadership and research to move forward on a baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce. The College joined nurse leaders in education and practice across the state to form the Kentucky Center for Nursing, a broad-based, grassroots initative whose mission is to prioritize and determine the specific steps needed to meet the IOM recommendations.

"Each of our programs within the College graduates a diverse group of practice-ready nurses who pushes us closer to the statewide goal," said Dr. Heath. "We deeply appreciate Congressman Barr's visit to the College of Nursing and his support in our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Kentuckians."