Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention - Workforce Expansion Program - This grant aims to address the critical shortage of nurses in long-term and acute care settings across rural Minnesota, particularly focusing on the escalating healthcare needs of older adults and marginalized communities, including populations of color. By 2057, the population of adults aged 85 and above is expected to more than double, necessitating urgent workforce expansion. Minnesota’s nursing homes were recently reported to have the largest workforce shortages in the country, according to an analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to a significant exodus of nurses and faculty shortages in nursing education programs. Our proposed initiative includes the development of a comprehensive traineeship program that will provide essential training, support, scholarships, and stipends to nursing students. These resources are crucial in enabling full participation in education, particularly for those facing economic disadvantages or caregiving responsibilities. We will also recruit and support clinical faculty and preceptors to enhance educational experiences in clinical settings and strengthen our partnerships with healthcare providers in rural areas. The curriculum will be enhanced to include specialized training in acute and long-term care, mental and behavioral health, social determinants of health, and complex health and social needs. Simulation-based education will play a pivotal role in preparing nurses to meet the evolving demands of healthcare delivery. Central to our approach is the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles throughout our programs. We are submitting under qualification #2 for a funder preference, “substantially benefits underserved populations” and also meet qualifications for #1 regarding rural populations. We are committed to recruiting and supporting students from rural and underserved communities, ensuring cultural awareness and social justice are embedded in our educational framework. To overcome systemic barriers to education success, we will implement strategies and provide resources to support students, such as flexible scheduling, financial support, childcare, academic assistance, technology access, and access to mental health services. Throughout the grant period, rigorous evaluation will assess program effectiveness through surveys and focus groups with graduates and clinical partners. This feedback will inform continuous improvement efforts and ensure the sustainability of our initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to diversify and increase the nursing workforce in underserved rural areas of Minnesota. With a commitment to holistic nursing education and social justice, we seek to bridge healthcare disparities and improve access to high-quality care for all Minnesotans.
