TALLAHASSEE, FL—Keiser University will host their annual "Keiser Days" at the Florida Capitol during the fourth week of the Legislative Session. The school hopes to continue addressing the growing nursing shortage in the state and win big with a new bill designed to help nurse anesthetists.
"As one of Florida's largest private, non-profit universities, Keiser is committed to addressing the state's growing need for workforce talent in critical industries," The press release states, highlighting January 31st as Keiser University Day at the Capitol, "It is one of Florida's largest producers of nurses, having graduated over 3,700 nursing professionals since 2017. Keiser University significantly contributes to Florida's economy, with its annual economic impact exceeding $3 billion."
As of 2021, 92% of Florida nursing centers faced staffing issues. According to the Florida Hospital Association, the state is expected to have a shortage of 59,000 nurses by 2035. These alarming numbers have led lawmakers to take action in creating, enticing, and keeping Florida nursing professionals.
One such bill this session is HB 257 by Republican Rep. Mike Giallombardo, allowing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to sidestep burdensome bureaucratic requirements and preventing them from having to dish out a cut of their earnings to medical doctors.
Keiser University is an independent university serving nearly 20,000 students in Florida, online, and internationally. The college offers over 100 degrees from the associate to the doctoral level, allowing students and adults alike to earn nursing degrees at the institution.
HB 257 was postponed in committee last week, and its companion bill, SB 810, has yet to see committee.
Keiser will be showcasing on fourth floor of the state capitol on January 31, 2024, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
