Several nursing programs in Kansas City just received a boost thanks to new grant funding aimed at expanding their offerings. This funding, totaling $3.1 million, comes from a partnership between the Missouri State Board of Nursing and a $1 million contribution from Governor Mike Kehoe.
Here’s how the funds break down for four local institutions:
– Research College of Nursing: $64,730
– Metropolitan Community College: $99,943
– Rockhurst University: $200,000
– University of Missouri–Kansas City: $150,000
These resources will help with faculty salaries, program expansions, and student educational support. Kristina Henry, the interim dean of nursing at Rockhurst University, emphasized the role of this funding. “It’s the only way we’ve been able to expand our programs,” she noted. The money will support various initiatives, including an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that aims to create high-level nursing staff in both urban and rural areas.
During the pandemic, we learned just how critical nurses are to healthcare. People recognized that without adequate staffing, healthcare can falter. As Jill Williams from the Missouri Hospital Association explained, while there is progress in hiring new nurses, the system still struggles to keep up with those leaving the field. Recent statistics show that the nursing workforce is slowly approaching pre-pandemic levels, but there’s still work to do.
Henry also pointed out her commitment to breaking down barriers for new nursing students, especially since she is a first-generation college graduate herself. “We always need more nurses,” she asserted.
The aging workforce remains a concern. As older nurses retire, there is increasing pressure to recruit and train new professionals. This funding is crucial to ensuring that hospitals can continue to serve their communities effectively.
In sum, this initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening the nursing workforce in Kansas City, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and effective for all Missourians.
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