Missouri State Board of Nursing Grant

Award Date: February 2023

Geographic Scope: Bolivar, Missouri and surrounding communities

Focus Areas: Nursing education, nursing workforce development, healthcare training

Overview:
BTC received grant funding from MSBN to address the nursing shortage in Bolivar and surrounding communities. The grant funded three major initiatives focused on growing the local healthcare workforce.

Initiative 1: Bolivar High School Health Occupations Pathway

Purpose: Establish a pilot program for Bolivar High School Health Occupations students

Components:

• Funded transition semester for BHS Health Occupations students
• Fast-track pathway into LPN (Practical Nursing) program
• One-on-one mentoring from dedicated BTC nursing faculty
• Academic support to help students transition to higher education
• Students receive paid transition semester funding
• Plans to expand to other local schools

Initiative 2: Nurse Apprenticeship Program Development

Purpose: Develop robust preceptor training program for Nurse Apprenticeship program with Citizens Memorial Hospital

Components:

• Launched summer 2022 with initial success
• First group: 4 LPN students completed clinical rotations, graduated December 2022, employed at CMH
• Second group: RN students completing clinical rotations at CMH
• Students complete required clinical hours at CMH while employed
• Students receive compensation for clinical hours
• Immersive CMH cultural experience
• Consistency in clinical experience within single health system
• Helps eliminate financial barriers to nursing education

Initiative 3: Virtual Simulation Program Expansion

Purpose: Expand simulation program to include virtual simulation technology

Components:

• Purchase of virtual simulation technology
• Purchase of tablets for clinical patient charting
• Equipment for distance education
• Allows students to assess patient situations and educate patients using current practices
• Provides safe learning environment for skills practice before patient care
• Supports quarantined students with distance education
• Complements live healthcare environment training

Background:
BTC was one of 11 Missouri colleges to receive this grant from MSBN. Recognizing an urgent need for growing the local healthcare workforce, BTC leadership spearheaded a grant proposal in fall 2022.

Impact:
Funded initiatives address nursing shortage, reduce financial barriers to nursing education, and enhance clinical training quality.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 417.777.5062 or 800.440.6135
• Email: info@bolivarcollege.edu
• Address: 1135 N. Oakland Avenue, Bolivar, MO 65613