Successes and challenges in implementing a HRSA-funded Nursing Education and Practice Retention (NEPR) grant

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing received a 3-year NEPR grant from HRSA in July 2005. The objectives are: 1) to advance 10 associate degree/diploma-prepared public health nurses to the baccalaureate-prepared level; 2) to advance 20 associate degree/diploma-prepared Hispanic or Spanish-speaking nurses to the baccalaureate-prepared level; and 3) to enhance the cultural competence of faculty, students, and public health nurses as measured by a cultural competence survey. Methods: Our native Spanish-speaking recruiter has visited community colleges, hospitals, and health departments; developed brochures and posters; conducted print, radio, and television interviews; spoken at health organizations and conferences; and advertised in print and on radio. We have offered Spanish language and culture classes and cultural diversity seminars. Successes: During the first half of the grant period, we have enrolled 4 public health nurses (67% of goal to date) and 14 Spanish-speaking nurses (117% of goal to date), and have collected cultural competence survey data on 1080 students and faculty, with a statistically significant increase of 4% in mean of survey results for RN-BS students from entering to completion (pre- vs. post-test results). Over 200 students have enrolled in Spanish classes and attended seminars. Challenges: Our greatest challenges are the lack of financial incentives for public health nurses and Spanish-speaking applicants and the relatively small pool of qualified Spanish-speaking RNs. We will discuss strategies, successes, and challenges in implementing this grant.