HONESDALE, PA — On Tuesday, October 13, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visited Wayne Memorial Hospital—part of the Wayne Memorial Health System (WMHS)—to officially launch the state-level Nurse Shortage Assistance Program (NSAP) to help boost retention, limit turnover and maintain a skilled health care workforce.

$5 million in loan repayment assistance funding will be distributed to NSAP recipients through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and servicer, Scholars Network. In the program’s first year, up to 200 nursing students could receive up to $10,000 per year, building a pipeline of trained nursing professionals who deliver high-quality care all across the Commonwealth.

According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania report, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that an average of 15 percent of their licensed nursing positions are vacant, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. By 2028, the situation is projected to worsen with the Commonwealth expected to face a shortage of 22,000 nurses.

WMHS serves over 100,000 residents annually across Wayne and Pike counties and the surrounding areas, offering a wide array of health care services designed to meet evolving local needs. Despite this demand for care, Wayne Memorial Hospital has reported a 25 percent vacancy rate across its full and part-time Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse positions. By enrolling in NSAP and partnering with universities, WMHS could receive help in filling these vacant positions, increase support for current nurses and further strengthen care delivery, according to the Governor’s office.

“The nursing shortage is a serious national and local challenge that affects patients, families, and healthcare organizations across the country. There’s no single cause and no quick fix,” said Chandra Roberts, Chief Nursing and Patient Care Services Officer, WMHS. “Our response must include expanding nursing education and clinical placements, supporting students and faculty, improving workforce safety, and investing in competitive pay, mentorship, and mental health support. The Nurse Shortage Assistance Program would help provide these services and more—and would aim to bring an additional number of talented, skilled nurse professionals to the Honesdale area.”