Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced 71.3 million dollars in grants, dedicated to expanding nursing education, diversity, and education through several workforce development programs.
Reauthorized by the Affordable Care Act and administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, the grants are a primary source of federal funding for nursing education and workforce development for professionals throughout the nation. The funding is used to encourage people to enter the field as well as pursue more advanced training. “These awards reflect the critical role of nurses in our healthcare system, and our ongoing commitment to attract and retain highly-skilled nurses in the profession,” said Secretary Sebelius.
The awards include one titled Nurse Education Practice, Quality and Retention, which supports programs that provide funding towards educating nurses at the baccalaureate level, continuing education to enhance the quality of care, and supporting activities that improve nurse retention. Grants given through the Nursing Workforce Diversity program were amended through the Affordable Care Act to include associate degree nurses entering bridge or degree completion programs, in hopes of expanding the number of people who consider a career in nursing a viable option.
Read the Health and Human Services press release on the newly announced grants and current recipients.
