Nursing Workforce Development (NWD) - Abstract: Building a Stronger Nursing Workforce Initiative (MMUBSNWI) The Mount Mary University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Workforce Initiative (MMUBSNWI) goal is to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who enroll in and graduate from nursing degree programs, using evidence-based strategies such as pipeline programs or comprehensive student support services. MMUBSNWI is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to recruit, retain, and graduate disadvantaged (DS) nursing students. By addressing systemic financial, academic, and social barriers, MMUBSNWI aims to increase the nursing pipelines of the regional healthcare workforce and improve education for DS students in nursing. The project is structured around three primary objectives: increasing DS student enrollment and graduation, enhancing financial, academic and student support systems, and expanding faculty expertise and capacity. To drive enrollment, the initiative deploys targeted pipeline and outreach strategies. These include enhanced campus shadow days for high school students, transparent direct-admission recruitment plans to minimize enrollment barriers, and digital marketing campaigns promoting the MMUBSNWI scholarship. Furthermore, partnerships with regional nursing associations will provide admitted students with professional mentorship and community networks. The project targets ambitious annual growth metrics: a 30% increase in DS student applications, a 20% increase in DS student enrollment, and a 10% increase in DS student graduation rates each year. To ensure educational success and retention, MMUBSNWI integrates robust academic, social, and financial frameworks. Academic upgrades include embedding Sim-Script NCLEX preparation software for AI-driven clinical simulations, alongside outfitting simulation labs with modern workstations on wheels, digital crash carts, and automated medical supply carts. Social and experiential support includes monthly seminars featuring experienced preceptors, alongside experiential learning trips to Nurses Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Structurally, financial barriers are mitigated by administering annual scholarships of up to $10,000 to 16 freshmen and 10 sophomores from disadvantaged backgrounds, alongside supplemental stipends for 30 post-first-year students to cover critical clinical expenses (scrubs, background checks, and transportation). These interventions aim to boost DS student retention by 3% annually and increase first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by 10% each year. Finally, to support this expanding student body, the initiative focuses on faculty recruitment and retention. MMUBSNWI will fund a new full-time nursing faculty position and provide existing faculty with advanced professional development in cutting-edge industry advancements and how to best prepare nursing students for the workforce. This dual approach ensures a high-fidelity, supportive learning environment that equips future nurses with the clinical reasoning and resilience needed for long-term career success.
