The Azusa Pacific University (APU), School of Nursing, is submitting an application for support from the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Registered Nurse Training Program. We are applying for a total of $1,049,313 for the three-year project period (September 30, 2022 through September, 29 2025). Azusa Pacific University (APU) seeks to expand and strengthen a diverse and skilled nursing workforce and enhance nursing education and practice in acute care settings by implementing a model training program that addresses the management of social determinants of health and improve health equity and health literacy in underserved areas. The model aims to advance the health of patients, families and communities by improving health outcomes and by strengthening the capacity and skill set of undergraduate nursing students prepared to provide high quality culturally sensitive care in underserved communities. The goals for this program are to: 1) Implement the use of the Get to Know Me Program (GTKMP) an innovative education model to strengthen the capacity of BSN undergraduate students to practice in acute care settings and increase patient-centered/culturally competent care, nurse-patient and interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased nurse job satisfaction; 2) Modify the BSN curriculum and provide didactic nursing education geared toward the delivery of culturally sensitive care, addressing SDOH and health equity while developing skills in leadership, communication, and critical thinking in a technologically innovative and collaborative practice environment; 3) Increase the diversity of the nursing workforce by recruiting 180 students (60 per year) from diverse populations including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities to work as integral members of inter-professional teams and use their expanded skills to reduce health disparities. This program will be an innovative, capacity-buil
ding and sustainable solution to address health disparities in Southern California that aligns with HRSA priority for transforming the nursing workforce. The intention is to enhance the design of the BSN nursing curriculum to provide students with 1) coursework in understanding and eliminating health disparities; 2) diverse experiential learning opportunities; 3) mentored opportunities for change projects with a focus on improving health in low-income minority populations; and 4) the development of care in inter-professional and collaborative health teams. This program will be implemented in partnership with hospital staff at two community hospitals (located respectively in Los Angeles county and San Bernardino county) through the development of inter-disciplinary and collaborative practice opportunities and diverse experiential learning experiences. Azusa Pacific University qualifies for Funding Priority based on being located in California, a state with a nurse shortage (See Attachment 10) and Funding Preference based on Qualification 3: substantially benefitting a Public Health Nursing Needs in Local Health Departments (See Attachment 9).