The University of Maine at Machias has launched a new nursing degree program aimed at addressing the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in Washington County. This initiative comes five years after the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated staffing challenges, particularly at Down East Community Hospital, the region’s only facility that delivers babies. The hospital has been heavily reliant on travel nurses to fill gaps in staffing, a situation that remains unsustainable, according to Julie Hixson, the hospital’s director of marketing and communications.
The nursing workforce in Washington and Hancock counties is the smallest and oldest in Maine, with a significant portion of the population aging. A study conducted by Cypress Research Group in 2024 revealed that the region requires more complex care as health providers anticipate growing healthcare needs. Hixson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s not like they’re going to magically reappear. Something needs to give.”
In response to this pressing issue, the new program will allow students in the area to obtain four-year nursing degrees while remaining in Washington County. This development is part of a broader effort to stabilize the nursing workforce in rural areas, where healthcare organizations have been collaborating with educational institutions to create pathways for local students into the nursing profession.
Local Collaboration to Combat Staffing Issues
The program at the University of Maine at Machias complements an existing initiative that has permitted nursing students to complete foundational courses locally before transferring to Orono for advanced studies. Megan Walsh, dean and campus director, highlighted the importance of local experience. “We wanted people to have experience living here, working here and really staying within their community, knowing that they would help their community after graduation,” she said.
The new program can accommodate up to eight students every other year. Participants will engage in advanced coursework through live virtual classes with the University of Maine at Augusta’s nursing program. They will also utilize simulation facilities in Ellsworth, with occasional travel to Augusta for further training. The Augusta program includes certification in holistic nursing, focusing on self-care for students while preparing them to assist patients effectively.
As the new cohort begins their journey, students like Brenna Alley reflect on their motivations. Originally considering a career in law, Alley changed her path after receiving care during a minor surgery. Her experience with compassionate nursing led her to seek a nursing career while remaining close to her community. “If I’m going to go into nursing, I want to serve the community that I love so much,” she stated.
Another participant, Olivia Sokoloski, brings experience as a certified nursing assistant. She values the opportunity to pursue her degree while living at home, making the program more accessible and appealing.
Projected Nursing Shortages and Community Impact
The need for qualified nurses in Maine is critical. According to the Cypress Group study, the state is projected to face a shortage of over 2,800 nurses within the next five years. Last year, Maine already experienced a shortfall of approximately 2,115 nurses. While efforts to recruit and train new nurses have prevented the crisis from worsening, the aging population in Washington County will only heighten the demand for healthcare services.
Shannon Gauvin, director of nursing at the University of Maine at Augusta, noted that the expectation for nurses to hold four-year degrees is increasing. Higher education levels among nursing professionals generally correlate with better patient outcomes. The new program in Machias will provide local students the opportunity to obtain these degrees without relocating, a change that Walsh believes could have significant positive momentum for the region.
As the nursing program takes shape, its success will be vital not only for the students involved but also for the healthcare infrastructure in rural Maine. By fostering local talent, the University of Maine at Machias aims to ensure that future healthcare providers are equipped to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
