The healthcare industry is currently facing a significant challenge: a projected shortage of half a million nurses by 2030 [1]. This looming crisis, exacerbated by pandemic-related burnout, threatens hospital staffing levels and, consequently, patient care quality. To proactively combat this issue, Chamberlain University and LCMC Health have joined forces to launch the innovative Call To Care Scholars Program. This program is designed to expand access to tuition-free nursing education, directly addressing the growing need for qualified nurses.
The Call to Care Scholars Program is a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving community health within the LCMC Health network. LCMC Health, a leading healthcare system committed to superior healthcare services, operates six hospital locations and prioritizes clinical excellence, education, technological advancements, and research. This strategic partnership with Chamberlain University, the nation’s largest nursing school and a part of Adtalem Global Education, is set to bolster patient care readiness through several key strategies:
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Expanding Educational Opportunities: LCMC Health is committed to fully funding the tuition for up to 90 aspiring nurses annually for up to three years. This generous support, provided through the alliance with Chamberlain University and the Call to Care Scholars Program, is offered in exchange for a commitment from the students to serve at LCMC Health for up to three years post-graduation, contingent upon passing the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam. This initiative dramatically reduces financial barriers to nursing education.
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Creating a Robust Nursing Pipeline: The core objective of the Call to Care Scholars Program is to develop a sustainable and robust talent pipeline of nurses. This pipeline directly supports LCMC Health’s long-term vision for a strengthened regional healthcare ecosystem. Graduates from this tuition-covered program will not only earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees but also gain invaluable practical experience within the community, fulfilling their employment commitment and contributing to local healthcare services.
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Scaling Community Healthcare Impact: By increasing the number of practice-ready nurses in the region, the Call to Care Scholars Program is poised to significantly enhance the quality of healthcare available to the community. These nurses will play a crucial role in promoting equitable access to preventive healthcare measures and essential healthcare support, thereby maximizing the program’s positive community impact.
“We are incredibly proud to introduce this pioneering solution, the Call to Care Scholars Program, which directly tackles critical workforce shortages by creating a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled nurses,” stated Kathy Boden Holland, Group President, Adtalem Health. “Our commitment is to broaden access to high-quality healthcare education through innovative, workforce-focused approaches. We are delighted that LCMC Health has chosen Chamberlain University to partner with on this vital program.”
A significant challenge within Louisiana’s nursing education landscape is the limited capacity of nursing programs. Alarmingly, over a quarter of qualified applicants to pre-licensure nursing programs in Louisiana were turned away last year simply due to these capacity constraints [2]. The Call to Care Scholars Program directly addresses this issue by expanding opportunities and strengthening the state’s nursing pipeline. Furthermore, the program’s goals are closely aligned with the recommendations outlined in the National Academy of Medicine’s influential report, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.”
“Nurses are indispensable pillars of health and well-being in our communities. This groundbreaking alliance, manifested in the Call to Care Scholars Program with Chamberlain University and LCMC Health, allows us to collectively honor the dedication of nurses everywhere by proactively investing in their future,” emphasized Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, President of Chamberlain University. “As the largest nursing school in the nation, Chamberlain University is thrilled to launch this program. We are eager to leverage our scale and reach to replicate this successful model with more hospital systems and aspiring nurses across the United States through the Call to Care Scholars Program.”
Chamberlain University is deeply committed to educating exceptional nurses who are prepared to transform healthcare on both local and global scales. Similarly, LCMC Health is dedicated to delivering outstanding health services, compassionate care, and comprehensive education to the community. The Call to Care Scholars Program embodies these shared values, aiming to cultivate compassionate and highly competent nurses who are ready to make a significant positive impact on the lives of their patients.
“This initiative, the Call to Care Scholars Program, represents a true investment in people. Our nurses are the essential ingredient in providing healthcare with genuine heart and compassion,” said Greg Feirn, CEO, LCMC Health. “Their unwavering dedication and profound compassion are the hallmarks of the unique care that comes from truly exceptional individuals. Announcing this transformative program during National Nurses Month is especially meaningful as we celebrate and express our deep gratitude for our incredible nursing team.”
The inaugural year of the Call to Care Scholars Program will welcome up to 90 students, distributed across three start sessions in September 2021, May 2022, and July 2022. This flexible scheduling provides convenient entry points for students to begin their nursing education. For comprehensive details about the Call to Care Scholars Program and application information, please visit www.chamberlain.edu/called-to-care.
[1] https://www.chamberlain.edu/media/15701/us-registered-nurse-workforce-report-card-and-shortage-forecast.pdf
[2] http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/AnnualReport/AnnualReport2020.pdf
