In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno, President Brian Sandoval speaks with Dr. Charlie Yingling, dean of the Orvis School of Nursing, and Dr. Shannon Richard, associate dean for undergraduate studies. Yingling and Richard provide insight into the strategies the Orvis School of Nursing is using to address Nevada’s nursing shortage and prepare students to serve rural communities.

A first-generation college graduate, Yingling earned his Bachelor of Science in nursing at Loyola University Chicago, followed by a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois Chicago. Richard earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno and her doctorate in nursing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Both have extensive experience in nursing education and workforce development.

Sandoval, Yingling and Richard explore the unique challenges of Nevada’s nursing shortage, the expansion of the nursing program at the University’s Lake Tahoe location, accelerated pathways for second-career nurses, and initiatives that support student success, clinical readiness and community engagement.