Improving the Nursing Pipeline and Patient Access to Care
The º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Foundation and º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s Kansas health plan, Sunflower Health Plan, committed $500,000 over two years to foster the growth of the . Launched in 2023 at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, this research-driven initiative brings together essential stakeholders to address intricate challenges within nursing and patient care.Ìý ÌýÌý
The investment, which will benefit the center through the KU Endowment, aims to implement comprehensive solutions that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and overall satisfaction of nurses and direct caregivers while also ensuring greater access to healthcare services for local Kansans.Ìý
The critical shortage of nurses and nursing faculty threatens the ability of medical facilities to remain open to patients, particularly in rural areas. The investment will help provide solutionsÌý Ìýthe nursing shortage through increased access to comprehensive nursing workforce data, leadership education and training. The support will also help the center as it develops evidence-based solutions to challenges facing the nursing field through interprofessional collaboration across academia, practice, industry, and government.Ìý
The center will study the nursing labor market, educational pathways of nurses, and ways to develop, sustain and retain the existing nursing workforce. The center also will educate organizations and policymakers about issues and policies affecting nurses.
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