UTA nurse educator on the profession’s future
Veronica King, a nursing professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, has always been passionate about serving others. With strong academic abilities in science and math and involvement with Health Occupations Students of America during high school, she found a career in healthcare to be a natural fit.
Dr. King spent more than 20 years working as a nurse across the country and now educates the next generation of nurses at UT Arlington, the largest producer of baccalaureate-educated nurses in Texas. This spring, UTA awarded more than 1,000 bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
As National Nurses Week (May 6–12) and International Nurses Day (Tuesday, May 12) are recognized, King spoke about the state of the profession and the importance of supporting the next generation of nurses.
How has your passion for nursing evolved throughout your career?
King: I have continued to be inspired by the many paths within nursing to care for diverse populations, conditions and communities, including both urban and rural health settings. Because the need for nurses is so great, a career in nursing offers opportunities to grow across specialties and geographic locations nationwide while still remaining grounded in the service of others. Now, as a nurse educator, this next chapter of service allows me to prepare the next generation of nurses with a promise for career longevity, a passion for nursing practice and the chance to make a difference every day in the people we serve.
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How is the nursing shortage impacting the profession, and what role does UTA play in addressing it?
King: The ongoing need for nurses has an impact in two significant ways. First, patient care needs become magnified when there are fewer nurses available to provide care. As a result, we are seeing more complex patient presentations, delays in care and broader effects on the health and wellness of our communities. Second, a nursing shortage intensifies the work of nurses who are often asked to do more with less. This increases the complexity, stress and responsibility carried by the nursing workforce. In response to these growing needs, our nursing curriculum is continuously evolving to better meet the needs of our communities, the workforce and the nursing profession itself. Even with these challenges, interest in nursing continues to grow as the next generation connects with the meaningful rewards of nursing practice and the opportunity to serve and help others.
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What are the biggest challenges facing nurses today?
King: The personal health and wellness of our nurses, along with broader changes in healthcare overall. In our current climate, many nurses struggle with burnout, a challenge that became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is so prevalent that nursing education now intentionally discusses personal health and wellness as part of preparing our future nurses. Our Resiliency Training program at UTA gives students tools to use during times of stress and difficulty. In terms of healthcare changes, topics such as access to care, social determinants of health, changes in healthcare service funding and rural health deficits continue to create barriers for people seeking care.
What advice do you give UTA nursing students preparing to enter the profession?
King: My best advice is to always remember why you chose nursing. The journey to becoming a nurse is challenging because the knowledge, skills and realities of nursing practice are rigorous and complex. Still, I remind students that they continue to persist because what they are working toward truly matters. A genuine passion for helping others will continue to drive and motivate students to grow, learn and develop into the nurse they once dreamed of becoming.
What does National Nurses Week mean to you as both a nurse and educator?
King: Nurses Week is a time of reflection and gratitude. As a nurse, I reflect on my career journey so far and feel grateful for the many stories, opportunities and experiences that have contributed to both my personal and professional growth. As an educator, I also reflect on where we are as a profession, the outlook of healthcare, and how I can continue serving our communities by helping prepare future nurses. This week is also a time to celebrate the incredible impact nurses have made over the years and will continue to make for years to come.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.