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With longstanding nurse shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, this year Illinois is expected to have 15,000 fewer nurses than needed to care for patients. Illinois hospitals know that the health and well-being of individuals and communities depend on our state’s healthcare workforce. That’s why hospitals across the state are helping train the next generation of caregivers—so every Illinois resident can receive the care they need, when they need it.

For example, the healthcare system Carle Health and its affiliate Methodist College in Peoria recently launched a new academic investment program that covers the college’s nursing school tuition, book costs and other fees for eligible students who commit to working at Carle Health for two years.

“We have a significant portion of our nursing workforce that is nearing retirement age, and as experienced nurses leave the health system, we need to continue to close that gap with new graduates,” said Joy Ledbetter, Carle Health’s vice president of talent acquisition and workforce development.

Nurses, doctors, behavioral health specialists and more are essential to healthcare. Illinois hospitals provide lifesaving care around the clock, and they’re working hard to solve healthcare’s toughest challenges. Learn more about how Illinois hospitals are healing communities.