Nurse Faculty Loan Program - The United States is facing a critical shortage of nursing faculty, exacerbated by a declining number of nurses and a high demand for advanced nursing degrees. Lourdes University, situated in Lucas County, Ohio, responds to this pressing need by offering Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and post-Master education certificate programs. This initiative particularly targets underserved rural areas in the Midwest, where the shortage is most acute. The Lourdes University College of Nursing (CON) emphasizes individualized education, integrating quality nursing practice, critical thinking, leadership, diversity, and Christian ethics into both undergraduate and graduate programs. With a stable leadership team in place for over two years, the institution is poised to address the increased demand for faculty preparation. Notably, the MSN and DNP programs are fully online, allowing flexibility for nurses in rural settings to pursue advanced degrees while meeting experiential learning requirements in diverse healthcare settings. This proposal seeks funding through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to support current and incoming students pursuing faculty positions. Lourdes University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), has successfully managed NFLP grants since 2011. The focus of this application is on the MSN Nurse Educator track and the DNP program, which has garnered increased interest, especially with the planned CCNE accreditation site visit in February 2024. The objectives of the project include supporting new MSN and post-Masters Educator Certificate students with loans, continuing support for current DNP recipients, and fostering partnerships with community colleges and higher educational institutions to meet accreditation requirements. Lourdes aims to support up to four MSN degree students, two post-Masters Educator Certificate students, and five DNP students with NFLP loans. Clear communication strategies regarding recruiting, orientation, and completion expectations are integral to the success of the program. The organizational information outlines Lourdes University's commitment to a values-centered education rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions. The CON's mission aligns with the university's goal of providing a holistic education that prepares professional nurses committed to excellence, diversity, community service, and Franciscan values. Lourdes' experience in managing grants, including the NFLP, and collaboration with external partners such as Promedica Health System, further strengthens its position to address the nursing faculty shortage. The abstract concludes with an overview of the organizational structure, emphasizing the administrative support provided by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the CON Dean, and the MSN/DNP Program Director/NFLP Project Director. The finance department's involvement, adherence to accounting practices, and annual audits underscore Lourdes University's commitment to effective grants administration. In summary, Lourdes University's comprehensive proposal aims to alleviate the nursing faculty shortage by strategically utilizing NFLP funds to support the education and preparation of future nursing faculty, particularly in underserved rural areas of the Midwest.
