Doctor and Nurse Shortage in Nevada Worsens: High Schools Step Up to Build the Future Workforce

A persistent shortage of doctors and nurses in Nevada is raising alarms. According to a 2023 University of Nevada, Reno study, 70% of Nevadans live in areas with healthcare shortages. To address this pressing issue, Las Vegas Heals, a coalition of medical professionals, is turning to high schools to cultivate the next generation of healthcare providers.

At Green Valley High School, 30 students are already laying the groundwork for their medical careers through the school’s medical society. These students participate in field trips to hospitals and labs, including the College of Southern Nevada’s (CSN) state-of-the-art respiratory lab, where they gain hands-on experience and mentorship.

A Student-Led Initiative with Real-World Impact

The medical society was initiated by Green Valley senior Brianna Shaw, who wanted to bring like-minded students together for real-world exposure to the medical field.

“I’m very excited about medicine. Visiting hospitals and meeting professionals has ignited my passion for the field,” said Shaw.

Green Valley is not alone. Similar programs exist at Cheyenne and Rancho High Schools, all of which are student-led but industry-supported.

A Community Effort to Build a Pipeline

Diego Trujillo and Kolton Villa, CEO and Chairman of Las Vegas Heals, respectively, are championing these efforts. They emphasize the importance of fostering local talent to address Nevada’s healthcare needs.

“The medical shortages are widespread across the country, but in Nevada, they’re even more pronounced,” Trujillo explained. “The pipeline of healthcare workers is critical, especially as many professionals face burnout and retirement.”

Nevada needs over 255 doctors, 626 nurse practitioners, 3,000 registered nurses, and 13,000 hospital and care facility workers to meet the national average.

Villa highlighted the importance of showing students a clear path into healthcare careers.

“By connecting the dots—education opportunities, funding options, and job prospects—we’re making it easier for students to pursue and stay in healthcare,” Villa said.

Transformative Experiences and Innovative Training

The field trips, organized by Las Vegas Heals, connect high school students with healthcare professionals, sparking curiosity and engagement.

“They begin to see themselves in these roles, realizing they can go through local schools and serve their own community,” Trujillo said.

CSN’s cardio-respiratory program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., plays a crucial role in training students. The program uses life-like mannequins to simulate respiratory issues, preparing students for real-world challenges.

A Vision for the Future

Shaw sees her future in Nevada, hoping to inspire others to follow suit.

“In 10 years, I see myself finishing my residency and making a difference in my community,” Shaw shared.

Las Vegas Heals currently supports 39 students across several high schools, with plans to expand. Their efforts aim not just to alleviate Nevada’s healthcare crisis but to build a sustainable and locally-rooted workforce.

“Healthcare isn’t about having a perfect GPA. It’s about passion and purpose,” Villa concluded. “We’re here to guide these students and help them find their place.”

With programs like these, Nevada is taking a proactive step to address its healthcare shortages, proving that the next generation could hold the key to a healthier future.