Nursing Workforce Development (NWD) - The Wy'east Nursing Pathway (WNP) is an innovative program to increase nursing education opportunities for educationally and economically disadvantaged American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) students in baccalaureate of science (BS), accelerated baccalaureate of science (ABS) and ABS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs and to expand AIAN representation in the nursing workforce. Oregon is a rural state, and many AIAN people live in rural and frontier locations. Rural communities face limited access to care, , underfunded infrastructure, and provider shortages. In addition, AIAN communities experience significant health concerns including higher rates of chronic diseases and mental health challenges leading to poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancy. These challenges highlight the urgent need to enhance rural health care through AIAN representation in the nursing workforce. Prospective disadvantaged AIAN students encounter financial hardships, geographic isolation, struggles navigating higher education, and a shortage of AIAN faculty and mentors, all of which contribute to low enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in nursing programs. The WNP directly addresses these issues by offering a comprehensive support system promoting student success for Wy'east Scholars. The program will be implemented in four phases: pre-admission, preparatory, progression in the academic program, and transition to professional practice. Development of marketing materials, partnerships with rural and AIAN-serving healthcare organizations, targeted outreach, and admissions coaching will increase admission rates. Supplemental preparatory courses in pathophysiology and rural and AIAN healthcare will provide a foundation for success in the academic program. To ensure retention and progression, academic support including learning and writing support, tutors, academic advising and mentorship, and social support with student groups and interprofessional co-curricular activities will be available. Financial support, including stipends, internal scholarships, and assistance with applications for external scholarships will help reduce economic hardships. Transition to professional nursing practice will be supported through career planning, NCLEX preparation, and application coaching. The WNP will be implemented at all six locations of OHSU SON statewide, including the three rural campuses that offer BS programs for students who wish to remain living in rural and frontier communities. The program will provide clinical placement opportunities in rural and AIAN serving healthcare organizations. Content focused on rural and AIAN health and healthcare will be delivered to all students. Faculty and preceptors with experience in rural and AIAN-serving agencies will be recruited and retained. OHSU School of Nursing requests a funding preference because the WNP will substantially benefit underserved populations based on our clinical partnership with the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest. Through this collaboration, the WNP ensures that Wy'east Scholars receive direct access to clinical placements, mentorship, and hands-on training in rural and AIAN-serving healthcare environments. The WNP will be developed, implemented, and evaluated in collaboration with internal and external partners, including rural and AIAN-serving health related organizations and local and regional academic partners. The program will increase the number of disadvantaged AIAN students and graduates to build a sustainable AIAN nursing workforce for future generations.
