Niagara University’s College of Nursing received a $4.5 million funding award to further work enhancing the local nursing workforce.
The HELP Nursing Pathways Program, which begins in January, will implement educational interventions, provide scholarships, and mentor learners pursuing a degree in nursing, initiatives that build on the college’s current endeavors to create new opportunities and improve retention and completion for underserved students. It will also leverage the college’s partnerships with local healthcare organizations to create clinical rotations and experiences that will increase students’ awareness of the opportunities available.
Ten students will be accepted each year over the five-year program period. The students will receive individualized comprehensive engagement plans, including services, academic coaching, and monthly programming to facilitate their ability to successfully complete their degrees and enter the workforce. In addition, the college’s resiliency and resource officer will provide ongoing counseling to foster students’ personal health and well-being and help them adapt to the stressors they may experience in their roles as nurses.
The HELP program will also offer an introduction to a nursing certification program for individuals from high-needs areas who are beginning their career in healthcare and want to advance into higher positions or pursue a degree in nursing.
“The Nursing Pathways Program addresses the growing nursing shortage by preparing underrepresented students for careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Christine Verni, dean of the college. “Students will receive the support they need to complete the program, and clinical experiences will be intentionally offered at settings with high vacancy rates to help fill open positions and encourage students to work at these facilities after graduation.”