Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Nurse Faculty Loan Program - The purpose of the Developing a Nursing Faculty Workforce:Nurse Faculty Loan Program(NFLP) project is consistent with the purpose of the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program: to increase the number of qualified nurse faculty nationwide by providing low-interest loans for individuals studying to be nurse faculty and loan cancellation for those who then go on to work as faculty. The goal of this project is to increase the number of qualified, diverse nursing faculty in Arkansas, and the region, by providing financial support through low-interest loans to individuals studying to be nurse faculty, and subsequent loan cancellation for those employed as faculty post-graduation. This project will use evidence-based strategies to recruit, retain, and educate diverse students, preferentially at the doctoral level, who are competent to address health disparities, social determinants of health, health equity, and behavioral health in their roles as nurse faculty or preceptor/faculty. Through low-interest student loans, and subsequent loan cancellation, financial barriers to pursing education and employment as a nurse educator will be reduced. Further, the project will expand clinical training opportunities through joint preceptor/faculty appointments and will foster employment of graduates. Preferential funding is requested because the majority of NFLP participants will be enrolled in research-focused (PhD) or clinical doctorate (DNP) nursing programs. The Developing a Nursing Faculty Workforce: NFLP project will accomplish these objectives through: (1) recruitment of diverse nursing students, with preference to doctoral students, who want to become nurse faculty, through a holistic admission process and recruitment strategies; (2) education of students for faculty roles by offering nurse educator courses, academic career workshops, and education conferences; (3) fostering competency of graduates to address health disparities, social determinants of health, health equity, and mental health through an Interprofessional Education Curriculum; (4) reduction of financial barriers by providing low-interest NFLP loans to 13 nursing students in DNP, PhD, or masters programs in AY24; (5) fostering students’ resiliency and retention through academic and social support, including a wellness retreat and emotional/mental health resources; (6) increasing and strengthening academic-practice partnerships; (7) expanding the number of preceptors with faculty appointments in the College of Nursing(CON); (8) graduating >90% of NFLP participants; and (9) assisting graduates (100%) in finding employment as nurse faculty. This project has many strengths.The first is our team, with nationally recognized experts in nursing education, a history of successful execution of diversity initiatives, and financial experience with state and federal health-professions loan programs. Second, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences(UAMS) is recognized as a leader in health-profession education in Arkansas, being the state’s only academic health center, with an established statewide structure. The CON has a long history of educating advanced practice registered nurses with excellent certification pass rates that often exceed national standards. The CON also offers the state’s only research doctorate in nursing; many graduates are employed as nurse faculty. Third, UAMS’ interprofessional curriculum prepares trainees to address social determinants of health, health disparities, and health inequity. Fourth, the CON has established partnerships with many academic and practice institutions throughout the state to facilitate student recruitment and experiential learning. In addition, the CON has an established process for preceptors with joint faculty appointments. The project team will use these strengths, and leverage partnerships and preceptor relationships, to promote nursing education, recruitment, retention, and graduation, and to increase the nurse faculty workforce.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).