Saint Anselm College

Amount Appropriated?

$2.2M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

The overall chronic shortage of nurses in the US is expected to continue with some estimates saying it will reach one million nationwide. This acute shortage will surely be felt in New Hampshire. A lack of interest in health fields is not the problem since enrollment in nursing programs in New Hampshire has increased during the past decade. Part of the shortage is due to two years of pandemic stress where many nurses and other health professionals are choosing retirement or alternative careers.\nThe need for more nurses and health professionals in New Hampshire requires a focused effort to recruit and incentivize students to remain in the state. With our longstanding hospital and healthcare partnerships, we will focus on expanding these relationships and developing attractive incentives to keep graduates in New Hampshire. \n\nProposed Solution\nBuilding up the New Hampshire workforce of nurses and health professionals is a key goal of a new nursing facility at Saint Anselm College. We will attract more New Hampshire high school students to stay in the state for their nursing degree, and anticipate keeping more graduates, regardless of state of origin, in New Hampshire after graduation. \n\nThe new School of Nursing and Health Professions is more broadly focused than just an undergraduate nursing program. It will include new interdisciplinary majors in Public Health and Health Sciences as well as graduate programs and opportunities for certifications through an even more robust continuing education program all to support the larger health care community. This model will focus on comprehensive partnerships with hospitals and health entities beyond our current placement sites. Attractive incentives for graduates to stay in New Hampshire along with strong partnerships with nursing and health care operations will contribute to alleviating the predicted shortages and provide fully staffed, quality health care for the greater Manchester area and the state.