Nursing Student Awarded Scholarship for Analysis of Healthcare Workforce Crisis

Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law announced Justin Coffman as the recipient of the 2025 Fighting the Nursing Shortage Scholarship, a $2,000 award supporting nursing students at accredited U.S. institutions. The scholarship program encourages applicants to explore how the healthcare industry can become more accessible to incoming professionals, addressing a critical workforce crisis affecting patient care nationwide. Coffman, a Master's in Nursing student at Emory University, identified three primary concerns driving the nursing exodus based on observations of his peers.

He noted that healthcare institutions have failed to appropriately staff their organizations, provide competitive compensation packages and benefits, and offer adequate mental health resources to prevent burnout among nursing staff. His analysis suggests that addressing these fundamental issues could significantly improve nurse retention rates. The nursing shortage has reached critical levels, with Coffman observing that many of his fellow students already plan to leave the profession within five years of graduation. This trend aligns with broader industry reports indicating high turnover rates among new nursing graduates.

Coffman's scholarship application emphasized the urgent need for healthcare institutions to listen to frontline nursing staff and implement meaningful changes to workplace conditions. Beyond his academic pursuits, Coffman maintains an extensive record of professional involvement and community service. He participates in Nursing Students for Sexual & Reproductive Health, the National Student Nurses' Association, and the Graduate Nursing Student Academy. His volunteer work includes service with local animal shelters and Camp Sunshine, demonstrating his commitment to community welfare beyond the healthcare setting.

The scholarship selection committee at Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law found Coffman's assessment of the nursing shortage particularly compelling. His concise yet passionate examination of systemic issues within healthcare staffing resonated with the law firm's mission to improve conditions for both patients and healthcare providers. The firm hopes Coffman's dedication to addressing healthcare challenges will contribute to meaningful improvements in nurse retention and patient care quality.

The Fighting the Nursing Shortage Scholarship represents one approach to supporting the next generation of nursing professionals while encouraging critical analysis of industry-wide challenges. As healthcare systems nationwide grapple with staffing shortages, insights from nursing students like Coffman provide valuable perspectives on practical solutions that could make the profession more sustainable for future generations. The scholarship program specifically encourages applicants to explore how the healthcare industry can become more accessible to incoming professionals, addressing a critical workforce crisis affecting patient care nationwide.