The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Resources & Services Administration awarded a grant for nurse education, practice and retention to the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing at Oral Roberts University. The $977,792 will be disbursed over a three-year period.

The primary objective of the grant is the recruitment of minority students, especially Hispanics, as well as implementation of a retention program to promote their completion of the program and return to the community as registered nurses. Although Oklahoma’s minority population is increasing faster than the Caucasian population, the nursing work force does not reflect the demographic.

“I am very pleased that HRSA has awarded the NEPR grant to the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing,” said Kenda Jezek, dean of the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing. “The grant will enable the school to more intentionally recruit and retain minority students to reflect regional demographics. With the Hispanic population rapidly increasing, recruitment of Hispanic students will be a priority.”

 

The grant provides resources to hire additional personnel and faculty for the recruitment effort and includes an agreement with the Northeastern Oklahoma Area Health Education Center, which will help with recruitment and placement for students in rural health areas. The federal government provides 100 percent of the funds needed to facilitate the project.