Newman University nursing graduates are stepping up to address Kansas’ severe nursing shortage, where 29% of RNs plan to retire within five years. With superior NCLEX pass rates and personalized mentorship, these graduates are making immediate impacts in healthcare facilities statewide.
Kansas faces an unprecedented healthcare staffing crisis that threatens patient care across the state. With nearly one-third of registered nurses planning retirement within five years and nursing program enrollments plummeting by 38% over the past decade, healthcare facilities are scrambling to maintain adequate staffing levels. Amid this growing challenge, Newman University's nursing graduates are stepping in to fill critical roles and make an immediate difference in patient care.
Newman University's nursing program is uniquely positioned to address Kansas' healthcare workforce needs through its accredited, clinically-focused education model. The program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, provides students with a comprehensive foundation that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical judgment skills essential for today's complex healthcare environment.
"When I first came here, I was afraid and I didn't know if I'd be able to go to nursing school," says Patricia Limo, who received the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award at Newman's recent pinning ceremony. "To be able to receive the BSN award... that means everything to me. That means I'm capable of doing everything so long as I put my mind to it."
The retirement wave in Kansas' nursing workforce is creating significant care gaps that threaten patient outcomes across the state. According to recent workforce data, 29% of registered nurses and 23% of licensed practical nurses plan to retire within five years, removing thousands of experienced caregivers from the healthcare system. Simultaneously, nursing program enrollments have declined by 38% over the past decade, creating a perfect storm of diminishing supply amid increasing demand.
Despite these challenges, employment opportunities for registered nurses in Kansas are projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, with the Kansas nonmetropolitan area already employing 8,050 nurses – representing one of the highest concentrations of rural nursing professionals in the nation. However, this projected growth falls well short of meeting healthcare demands, especially as the state's population continues to age and require more complex care.
In this challenging landscape, Newman University's nursing program has established itself as a leader in preparing practice-ready nurses who can make immediate contributions to healthcare delivery. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures students receive education that meets national standards, while consistently superior NCLEX pass rates demonstrate graduates' readiness for professional practice.
"Newman's Nursing Program is filled with professors that care about you as an individual. Not only do the instructors care about preparing you for your future nursing career, but they are willing to give the 1-1 attention needed to be successful," explains Rebecca Bindi, a Newman nursing graduate.
This personalized approach to nursing education sets Newman apart from larger institutions where students might feel lost in crowded lecture halls. The program's small class sizes allow for meaningful faculty-student relationships that enhance learning and professional development.
Newman's nursing curriculum provides students with exposure to various nursing specialties, preparing them for diverse career paths after graduation. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates can adapt to multiple healthcare settings, from acute care hospitals to community health agencies.
"The nursing program emphasizes the development of clinical judgment that is necessary to care for today's patients," notes one program overview. This focus on critical thinking and evidence-based practice prepares Newman graduates to handle complex patient situations and make sound clinical decisions.
The program's emphasis on clinical judgment is particularly valuable in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment, where nurses must quickly assess situations and implement appropriate interventions. Newman graduates consistently demonstrate these capabilities, earning them positive reputations among healthcare employers throughout Kansas.
One of Newman's greatest strengths is its commitment to personalized education through close faculty-student relationships. Students frequently cite the supportive environment as crucial to their success in the rigorous nursing program.
"I'm very thankful to have gotten into Newman and met all the people that I did," shares Emily Hendricks, a recent nursing graduate. "I enjoyed Newman offering smaller classes and the teachers were able to spend a lot more one-on-one time with us, which I enjoyed."
Beyond personal mentorship, Newman's nursing program stands out for its unique athletic department partnership. This collaboration helps student-athletes balance rigorous academic demands with athletic commitments, ensuring they can succeed in both arenas. This holistic approach to student support reflects Newman's commitment to educating the whole person, not just developing clinical skills.
The true measure of any nursing program lies in the success of its graduates, and Newman's recent nursing alumni are making immediate impacts in healthcare facilities across Kansas. From capstone experiences to full-time employment, these graduates are putting their education into practice on the frontlines of healthcare.
Allison Szewczyk, a 2025 Newman nursing graduate, has already accepted a position in the cardiac ICU at St. Francis. "I found my passion there. And with the help of Melissa Romaneschi, she was one of our professors, with her guidance as well, especially with her guidance, I found a little bit of my passion there," Szewczyk explains. "I'm super excited to join and be part of that team."
Similarly, Hayley Hughes, another recent graduate, secured a position at St. Francis in the cardiac ICU. "I'm gonna work at St. Francis in the cardiac ICU," Hughes proudly shares. What's particularly impressive is that Hughes had already passed her NCLEX exam before graduation and was scheduled to start her position on June 9th.
These successes show Newman's ability to prepare nurses who can transition seamlessly from student to professional, even in specialized units that typically require experienced nurses.
Perhaps no story better illustrates the transformative power of Newman's nursing program than that of Patricia Limo. Growing up in a small village in Uganda, Limo recognized as a child that she wanted to be not just any nurse, but an extraordinary one.
"When I was in Africa, we do have children who have something called jiggers. And so when they go in dusty places, they would get those infections. So I would just sit with them and then remove it, pick it all out, and then just trim it so that it doesn't get dust infected again. So then I would just wash their feet and then send them off," Limo recalls.
Despite initial doubts about her ability to succeed in nursing school in a new country, Limo thrived at Newman, receiving the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award – the highest honor the nursing department bestows.
"That means everything to me. That means I'm capable of doing everything so long as I put my mind to it and involve God in it. With him, I'll always prosper," says Limo.
Limo's impact will extend far beyond Kansas as she plans to join the Navy Nurse Corps after graduation. "I feel like I wanted to reach a majority of people, and I feel like joining the Navy would be something that will get me to that point where I can reach more people in a small amount of time," she explains.
Her vision includes eventually establishing a free clinic between Kenya and Uganda to serve vulnerable populations, demonstrating how Newman graduates think globally about healthcare needs.
Newman nursing graduates pursue diverse career paths that address various aspects of the healthcare crisis. Their versatility and adaptability highlight the comprehensive nature of Newman's nursing education.
Many Newman graduates work in specialized clinical settings, including wound care, clinics, and hospice. These specialized roles require advanced knowledge and compassionate care – qualities that Newman's program specifically cultivates.
Other graduates move into administrative and case management positions, helping coordinate care for complex patients and improving healthcare delivery systems. These roles are critical for addressing systemic challenges in healthcare access and quality.
Some Newman alumni choose travel nursing, providing much-needed assistance to underserved areas experiencing critical staffing shortages. This flexibility allows them to make impacts across multiple communities while gaining diverse clinical experiences.
Many graduates continue their education, pursuing advanced degrees such as Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Mid-Wife roles. Newman's strong educational foundation prepares them for success in these advanced programs.
The nursing shortage in Kansas represents one of the state's most pressing healthcare challenges, but Newman University is actively addressing this crisis through its distinctive educational approach. By combining rigorous academic preparation with personalized mentorship and diverse clinical experiences, Newman produces graduates who are ready to make immediate contributions to healthcare delivery.
Newman's consistent track record of producing nurses who excel on licensure exams and secure positions in competitive specialties demonstrates the program's effectiveness. The family atmosphere and supportive faculty create an environment where students can thrive despite the challenges of nursing education.
As Kansas continues to face healthcare workforce challenges, Newman University's nursing graduates will remain at the forefront of providing quality, compassionate care to patients across the state and beyond. Their success stories illustrate how quality nursing education can transform not only individual careers but also the broader healthcare landscape.
If you're interested in making a difference in healthcare through a nursing career, Newman University's accredited nursing program provides the foundation for success in this rewarding and essential profession.
