Project Title: Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) Applicant Organization Name: Herzing University Address: 5218 East Terrace Drive Madison, WI 53718 Project Director Name: Dr. Brandy Ebert Department Chair of Academic Partnership Contact Phone Number: 866-508-0748 Contact Fax Number: 414.271.5881 Email Address: bebert@herzing.edu Website: https://www.herzing.edu/nursing-programs Grant Program Funds Requested: $757,830 Respectfully, Herzing University (HU) is submitting this application to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) as part of our ongoing efforts to address the national nursing faculty shortage and prepare qualified nurse educators. The goal of the NFLP is to support approximately 30 students in the Masters of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education (MSN-NE), Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education (PMC-NE), Accelerated RN to MSN (ADN to MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs at HU through NFLP loans and related support. Students in the ADN to MSN program will be eligible once they reach their graduate level classes. This initiative aims to produce more culturally competent graduates entering the nurse faculty workforce. Focusing broadly on eight geographical areas aligned with Herzing Universities physical campuses in AL, FL, GA, LA, MN, OH, TN, and WI, Herzing seeks to address the critical need for nurse educators in these regions. Additionally, Herzing recognizes national needs, including support for online programs and addressing open positions in schools of nursing. The main goal of HU's NFLP project is to increase the number of well-qualified and culturally competent nurse educators, in line with HRSA's mission to enhance the health of underserved and vulnerable populations. Aligned with its institutional mission, Herzing aims to offer financial relief to 30 students in MSN-NE, PMC-NE, ADN to MSN, and DNP programs facing unmet financia
l needs. This not only addresses their financial challenges but also contributes to the growth of a skilled nurse faculty workforce. Embedded within Herzing's policies, curricula, and support systems is an approach emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence. This strategic focus is designed to foster health equity and diminish health disparities. Goals and objectives for HU’s NFLP are as follows: Goal 1: Increase awareness of and enrollment in Herzing’s nurse education programs. Objective 1.1: Target a diverse recruitment pool for the MSN-NE, PMC-NE, and DNP programs. Goal 2: Graduate culturally competent, highly qualified nurse educators. Objective 2.1: Award NFLP loans to 30 students over the one-year project period. Objective 2.2: One hundred percent of NFLP recipients will receive curricular and co-curricular education and training on health disparities, health equity, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Objective 2.3: One hundred percent of nurse education loan recipients will receive myriad evidence-based support. Goal 3: Reduce the nurse faculty workforce shortage. Objective 3.1: Ninety-three percent (28 of 30) of NFLP recipients will identify employment opportunities in faculty positions before or upon graduation. The current NFLP has had a resoundingly positive impact on HU’s nursing program, faculty, and current and future students. Since the adoption of the NFLP, HU has witnessed a 30% increase in enrollment among the NFLP-eligible population, serving as compelling evidence of its effectiveness. To teach effectively and contribute to improving nursing education, faculty must have the necessary skills to prepare culturally competent nurses. This involves using evidence-based teaching methods and aligning with the best practices in national nursing education. NFLP helps level the playing field and bridge the gap in access to quality education by providing financial support to students, thereby fostering a diverse and s
killed pool of nurse educators.