The healthcare industry faces a critical staffing crisis as nursing students like Justin Coffman identify systemic failures driving professionals from the field. Coffman, a Master's in Nursing student at Emory University, received the 2025 Fighting the Nursing Shortage Scholarship from Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law for his compelling assessment of why nurses are leaving healthcare.
Coffman's scholarship application addressed three primary concerns he observed among his fellow nursing students: inadequate staffing levels, outdated compensation packages, and insufficient mental health resources to combat burnout. His analysis suggests that healthcare institutions must confront these issues directly to stem the professional exodus affecting nursing.
The scholarship, valued at $2,000, supports nursing students at accredited U.S. institutions who propose solutions to make healthcare more accessible to incoming professionals. Coffman's recognition comes at a crucial time, as recent reports indicate nursing graduates typically spend no more than five years in healthcare before leaving the profession.
Many of Coffman's peers are already planning their exits from the industry, a trend that threatens to exacerbate existing staffing shortages. His argument emphasizes that healthcare organizations must listen to nurses' concerns and address fundamental pain points to attract and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Coffman maintains an extensive volunteer history with organizations including Nursing Students for Sexual & Reproductive Health, the National Student Nurses' Association, and the Graduate Nursing Student Academy. He also volunteers with local animal shelters and Camp Sunshine, demonstrating his commitment to community service alongside his professional development.
The staff at Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law selected Coffman based on his concise and passionate assessment of the nursing shortage. The firm's Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyers expressed pride in supporting his educational journey and hope his dedication to improving healthcare will lead to meaningful industry changes.
This scholarship program represents one approach to addressing the nursing shortage by supporting students who demonstrate both academic excellence and practical understanding of healthcare workforce challenges. As healthcare institutions struggle with staffing shortages, insights from nursing students like Coffman provide valuable perspectives on reversing the trend of professional departure.
The implications of this ongoing nursing exodus extend beyond individual healthcare facilities to affect patient care quality nationwide. Understaffed hospitals and nursing homes face increased risks of medical errors, longer wait times, and reduced capacity to handle public health emergencies. For more information about healthcare workforce issues, visit https://www.nursingworld.org.
Healthcare organizations seeking to improve retention rates might consider Coffman's recommendations regarding competitive compensation, adequate staffing levels, and comprehensive mental health support. These measures could help create sustainable career paths for nursing professionals while ensuring quality care for patients across the healthcare system.
