Our nation is facing a critical shortage of nurses, a challenge that threatens the stability and quality of our healthcare system. An aging population, rising rates of chronic illness, and increased demand for care are outpacing the supply of qualified nursing professionals. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the country are struggling to fill essential roles, leading to increased workloads, burnout, and compromised patient outcomes. Expanding and strengthening the nursing pipeline is not just a workforce issue—it’s a public health imperative.