Missouri State Board of Nursing Grant

Missouri State Board of Nursing Grant

Funder: Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN)

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