Found this interesting: College of Nursing receives $100,000 grant - News

Thanks to a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program, the Mennonite College of Nursing is expanding its accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree option.

In total, Mennonite received $100,000 worth of scholarships.

"The immediate effect is that 10 students in the incoming accelerated BSN option will benefit from a $10,000 scholarship, and that is tremendous," Sara Campbell, interim dean and professor at Mennonite College of Nursing, said.

"Receipt of the grant puts Mennonite on the national forefront and this can only increase the visibility and reputation of Mennonite as being responsive and creative in addressing nursing issues."

The grant will also increase the student nursing cohort from 20 students to 30 students, according to Campbell.

Scholarships are awarded to students admitted to accelerated baccalaureate and master's nursing programs. Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups in nursing or to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"The accelerated option is so fast paced and due to the rigor of the option, students are encouraged not to work while completing the option," Campbell said. "This creates financial hardships for some students."

Mennonite first established the accelerated BSN option in January, 2007 to help meet a need for highly trained nurses in central Illinois.

"There is an increased need now, and that is only destined to become greater over time," Campbell said. "Labor projections indicate that the nursing shortage will continue to quickly rise and impact the entire nation in the upcoming years."

Another aim of the accelerated degree option is to diversify the nursing field.

"The healthcare field notes the importance of developing a workforce reflective of the population for which it provides services for," Campbell said. "As the nation continues to become more diverse, it is important for nursing to build a diverse workforce."

Even without the grant, Mennonite has been gaining recognition for its reputation as one of the top nursing schools not only in the state, but in the nation as well.

"Our quality of students and faculty are top tier," Dianne Clemens, assistant professor in the College of Nursing, said. "We continue to produce an exceptional nursing workforce at a critical time."

The New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program was created by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Association of Colleges in Nursing.