VALENTINE, Neb. — As hospitals across the country struggle with a growing nursing shortage, Cherry County Hospital has seen a successful year of hiring.

Nationwide, the U.S. could face a shortage of more than 500,000 nurses by 2030. In Nebraska alone, the state is short nearly 1,500 registered nurses, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. But over the past year, Cherry County Hospital has significantly strengthened its nursing workforce.

In just 12 months, the hospital went from having about 20 percent permanent, non-traveling nurses to more than 90 percent, a shift hospital leaders say has improved continuity of care and workplace stability. That number is expected to increase further in the coming months.

Director of Nursing Madeline Schmidt credits a combination of financial incentives and a renewed focus on workplace culture.

“If they sign on, there’s a sign-on bonus for nurses. There also is tuition reimbursement,” Schmidt said. “But beyond that, I think that if you pour into your permanent staff, they will pour into you."

Registered nurse Christy Sprenger is among those who joined the hospital after taking an unconventional path into nursing. She previously worked as a paralegal and later stayed home to raise her children before deciding to pursue a career in health care.

“I like caring for people,” Sprenger said. “I enjoy getting to know people one-on-one and helping them in their time of need.”

Longtime registered nurse Laura Willert has seen firsthand how the nursing landscape has changed, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It used to be two or three applicants for every position,” Willert said. “Now, you’re just trying to find people to apply.”

In addition to bolstering its nursing staff, Cherry County Hospital has fully staffed its laboratory and expanded services. New offerings include endocrinology through telehealth, a NeuroStroke program, multiple orthopedic specialties and the addition of a new gastrointestinal provider.

Hospital leaders say the growth helps improve patient care in a demanding, but rewarding, career.

“Sometimes you’re the only port in the storm during someone’s worst moment,” Willert said.

“When you leave , you feel sometimes stressed and disappointed that maybe you could have done better with someone or some situation," Sprenger said. "But knowing for the most part that you made a difference, makes it all worth it."