HHS Invests $13M in Growing Nursing Workforce
WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services last week awarded $13 million to bolster nursing education and training and grow the nursing workforce.
According to administration officials, one significant factor constraining admissions to nursing schools is the limited availability of nursing “preceptors” — experienced licensed clinicians who supervise nursing students during their clinical rotations.
Nursing preceptors are a critical bridge between training and practice, providing direct instruction to nursing students in the clinical setting.
Without sufficient preceptors, nursing schools cannot admit as many students, new students are delayed in starting their clinical rotations, and prospective nursing students may be stymied and choose other career paths.
The HHS’ investment is intended to reverse this trend.
The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded over $8.4 million to 10 awardees through the Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies Program.
These awards are intended to support partnerships among academics, clinicians and the community designed to support clinical nursing faculty and preceptors, which will help increase the capacity of the program to train more nurses.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is also awarding $4.75 million to 14 awardees through the Registered Nurse Training Program to increase the number of nursing students trained in acute care settings.
This program aims to improve health outcomes and health equity by strengthening the capacity and skill set of undergraduate student nurses prepared to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care in underserved communities.
“Nurses are an essential part of our nation’s health care system,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a written statement.
“We are committed to growing the next generation of nurses and ensuring the education and training they receive prepares them to provide high-quality, culturally competent care. Supporting nurses and other frontline health professionals providing care in our communities is critical to improving our nation’s health and well-being,” he said.
