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Both before and throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the registered nurse workforce experienced critical labor shortages. How can these shortages be effectively addressed, particularly in underserved areas? A recent study, Nurse Corps’ impact on increasing registered nurse staffing in critical shortage areas and facilities, evaluates the effectiveness of increased funding for scholarship and loan repayment programs in improving healthcare access in health professional shortage areas.
Researchers examined Nurse Corps applications, awards, and distribution across two cohorts from 2017 to 2022. The study’s findings reveal significant improvements in addressing nursing shortages in underserved areas, with a 76% increase in the number of counties with a Nurse Corps participant following additional funding.
Westat experts Brandon Hesgrove, PhD, Jennifer Nooney, PhD, Helen Liu, and Nina Kreiger, MPH, were among the co-authors of this study.
Focus Areas
Health Services Research and Health Policy Patient Safety and Experience Public HealthCapabilities
Equity Evaluation and Mixed-Methods ResearchTopics
COVID-19