Nearly two-thirds of nurses nationwide report experiencing burnout, a major cause of workforce departures and disengagement and of the overall nursing workforce shortage. In Texas, the nursing shortage is expected to surpass 57,000 registered nurses and 12,000 licensed vocational nurses by 2032.

The University of Texas at Tyler is investing in burnout prevention for both nursing students and faculty with its GEAR UP project. The project was recently awarded a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board grant of more than $2 million.

Led by Dr. Barbara K. Haas, School of Nursing dean and Dr. Margaret Ruelle, School of Nursing associate dean for student affairs, GEAR UP involves a wellness lab in the school of nursing and increases opportunities for faculty members to seek additional education and wellness resources.

“Investing in the well-being of our nursing students and faculty is an investment in the future of health care,” said Haas. “The new wellness lab and faculty development initiatives will create an environment where students can thrive, faculty can excel and ultimately, patient care can improve across Texas.”

“Solving the nursing workforce shortage requires multiple strategies and tactics, and helping nursing students and faculty maintain their health and well-being is an essential one,” said Maureen Milligan, PhD, president and CEO, Teaching Hospitals of Texas. “UT Tyler continues to demonstrate its commitment to leadership in nursing education, workforce development, and clinical innovation.”

UT Tyler received another THECB grant earlier this year to support the development of a simulation curriculum for nursing faculty across the state – one of the many ways the institution is investing to grow and support the nursing workforce in Texas.