The healthcare industry is currently facing a significant challenge: a projected shortage of nurses that could reach half a million by 2030. This crisis, exacerbated by pandemic-related burnout, puts immense pressure on hospitals and healthcare systems, impacting patient care readiness. To proactively combat this issue, Chamberlain University and LCMC Health have joined forces to launch the innovative Called To Care Scholars Program. This program offers a groundbreaking solution by expanding access to tuition-free nursing education, aiming to bolster the regional nursing pipeline and address critical healthcare workforce shortages.
This nationwide initiative, the Called to Care Scholars Program, is specifically designed to strengthen community health in the region served by LCMC Health, a renowned healthcare system committed to delivering exceptional care. With six hospital locations, LCMC Health prioritizes clinical excellence, education, technology, and research. Their collaboration with Chamberlain University, the largest nursing school in the United States and a part of Adtalem Global Education, is strategically designed to enhance patient care readiness through several key avenues:
Expanding Nursing Education Opportunities
At the heart of the Called to Care Scholars Program is a commitment to making nursing education more accessible. LCMC Health is providing full tuition funding for up to 90 aspiring nurses per year. This generous scholarship covers the complete cost of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Chamberlain University for up to three years. In return for this significant investment in their future, scholars commit to working at an LCMC Health facility for up to three years after successfully graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam. This structure ensures a direct pathway from education to employment, directly addressing the workforce shortage.
Building a Robust Nursing Pipeline
The Called to Care Scholars Program is not just about individual scholarships; it’s about building a sustainable future for healthcare in the region. By creating a consistent influx of qualified nurses, the program directly supports LCMC Health’s long-term vision for a thriving healthcare ecosystem. Graduates of this tuition-covered program gain invaluable practical experience within the community while fulfilling their employment commitment. This creates a mutually beneficial cycle, strengthening both the healthcare workforce and the community it serves.
Maximizing Community Health Impact
By increasing the number of practice-ready nurses in the region, the Called to Care Scholars Program has a far-reaching positive impact on community health. More nurses mean greater capacity to deliver quality healthcare, leading to more equitable access to preventative care and essential health services. This initiative directly contributes to a healthier community by ensuring that more individuals have access to the care they need, when they need it.
“We are proud to launch this industry-leading solution that addresses critical workforce needs through the creation of a talent pipeline of nurses,” stated Kathy Boden Holland, Group President, Adtalem Health. “We are dedicated to scaling access to quality healthcare education through innovative approaches that offer workforce solutions and could not be more pleased that LCMC Health has selected Chamberlain for this program.”
The urgency of this program is underscored by the fact that in Louisiana alone, over 25% of qualified applicants to pre-licensure nursing programs were turned away due to capacity limitations. The Called to Care Scholars Program directly tackles this issue by expanding opportunities and strengthening the nursing pipeline within the state and beyond. It also aligns perfectly with the goals outlined in the National Academy of Medicine report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.
Dr. Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, president of Chamberlain University, emphasizes the broader significance of the program: “Nurses are vital contributors to the health and well-being of our communities, and this innovative alliance with Chamberlain University and LCMC Health allows us to collectively recognize the dedication and service of nurses everywhere by proactively investing in them. As the largest nursing school in the country, we are excited to launch this program and continue to leverage the scale and breadth of our footprint as we replicate this approach for more hospital systems and aspiring nurses across the United States.”
Both Chamberlain University and LCMC Health share a deep commitment to their communities. Chamberlain aims to graduate exceptional nurses who will transform healthcare, while LCMC Health is dedicated to providing extraordinary health, care, and education. The Called to Care Scholars Program embodies these shared values by nurturing compassionate nurses who are prepared to make a significant difference in the lives of their patients.
Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health, beautifully captures the essence of nursing and the program’s impact: “This is truly an investment in people, as our nurses are often the magic ingredient in providing healthcare with heart. Their dedication and compassion represent that one-of-kind care that comes from one-of-kind people. What better time to announce this life-changing program than during National Nurses Month, as we celebrate and recognize our amazing team.”
The Called to Care Scholars Program commenced its first year with sessions starting in September 2021, May 2022, and July 2022, accommodating up to 90 students. For individuals interested in seizing this incredible opportunity to pursue a tuition-free nursing education and join a vital profession, further details are available at www.chamberlain.edu/called-to-care.
References:
[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
