Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Human Services (AHS) has awarded $5.125 million to four key healthcare institutions to bolster Vermont’s nursing workforce.
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Successful applicants include University of Vermont Health Network, Northwestern Medical Center, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community.
The grants seek to address barriers to workforce growth, such as a shortage of clinical educators and financial obstacles for prospective students.
The initiative will provide tuition assistance, paid release time or study stipends, and clinical support at the worksite. It aims to draw new students into Vermont nursing programs and facilitate advanced degree education for existing nurses.
“Working to address our workforce shortage across all sectors is critical, but we know it’s acutely impacting the nursing and healthcare sector,†said Governor Scott. “These investments will go along way to help attract and retain talent here in Vermont.â€
The funds, proposed by the Governor and appropriated through Act 183 and additional federal State Fiscal Recovery funds, will enable healthcare workers to pursue nursing career pathways while maintaining paid employment.
The program also provides academic and wraparound support, supports current nurses in becoming eligible clinical educators, and offers financial incentives for eligible healthcare employees to take on clinical educator roles.
AHS’ $1.5 million grant to the University of Vermont Health Network will specifically support tuition and other education expenses for Health Network employees enrolling in an accelerated BSN program developed in partnership with Norwich University.
This program provides individuals with non-nursing-related training a 15 month pathway to earning a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
The funds will also support a two year Master of Nursing program launched in partnership with Vermont State University and Norwich University, tailored to individuals who already have a BSN and want to pursue clinical instruction opportunities at all Vermont colleges of nursing. ■