SSM Health is reducing obstacles and broadening opportunities for nursing education.
In a bid to address the pressing issues in the nursing education to practice pipeline, SSM Health, a leading healthcare provider, has partnered with Chamberlain University to launch the Aspiring Nurse Program. This innovative initiative aims to expand access to nursing education and improve healthcare across the country.
According to Amy Wilson, the chief nurse executive at SSM Health, there are three main hurdles in the nursing education to practice pipeline: an insufficient number of graduates, difficulty in gaining admission to nursing schools, and difficulties during the transition to practice. The program, therefore, focuses on addressing these barriers.
The Aspiring Nurse Program offers financial assistance at the entry point and throughout the student's practice with SSM Health. This includes tuition reimbursement for students, financial assistance to ease the financial burden of education and practice, and employment opportunities, including a nurse extern position during the program's duration.
One of the key challenges in the nursing field is the mismatch between the number of graduates and the number of practicing nurses versus the need in the country. As the population ages and develops chronic illnesses, the demand for nurses is expected to increase. To address this, the program aims to train nurses from the community who can go back into the community to improve health and create "stickiness" with SSM Health.
The program also addresses the social determinants of learning for non-traditional students to ensure their success through the BSN program. It is designed to expand access for non-traditional students who may have work, family, or caretaking responsibilities.
Upon graduation, SSM Health will start paying back student loans for up to a four-year period, depending on the loan amount. This is a significant benefit for many students, as the average GPA required for entry into nursing school today is about 3.89, leaving many qualified candidates out. The program does not require any contractual commitment for loan repayment.
By prioritising expanding access to nursing education and making it a strategic priority, with a strong financial plan and demonstrable ROI and outcomes, CNOs can help improve healthcare across the country. The pipeline from nursing school to the workforce is a major focus for CNOs to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
In conclusion, the SSM Health Aspiring Nurse Program is a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced in the nursing education to practice pipeline. It provides financial assistance, employment opportunities, and addresses the social determinants of learning to ensure the success of non-traditional students. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the nursing shortage and improving healthcare across the country.
