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Volume 2, Issue 4: Fall 2010
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In This Issue
DMU AHEC Attends NAO Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C.The National AHEC Organization (NAO) Fall Meeting was held in Washington, D.C., shortly after we learned Des Moines University's AHEC Program was competitively approved and recommended for funding, yet unfunded during the current federal grant contract period. The timing of the meeting was crucially important in our efforts to communicate our discouragement to NAO directors, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) leadership and Iowa's Congressional delegation. Priority one in those efforts was to garner better understanding of this unprecedented turn of events and ensure the process will be addressed and appropriately revised prior to the next application and grant contract period. We were pleased to learn that a new workgroup with both HRSA and NAO leadership representation has been formed to collaborate regarding the development of guidance for the next grant cycle, to explore options for making the AHEC network stronger and to facilitate continued communication between HRSA and NAO. Prospective options to avoid additional occurrences of compliant and approved yet unfunded state AHEC programs are moving forward as well. Progress Update in Securing DMU AHEC Bridge Funding
With financial support from Des Moines University and utilization of remaining unspent grant dollars, the DMU AHEC Program and its regional centers will remain intact through February of 2011. This allows ample opportunity to secure bridge funding and sustain our infrastructure throughout the current federal grant period with re-application for federal support to continue thereafter. Additionally, we are striving to secure state and other non-federal sources of support to diversify AHEC's funding base and progress toward sustainability. To date, we have secured $78,000 of the $240,000 needed to sustain our program. With sincere gratitude and appreciation to our partnering host-site hospitals, Allen Hospital, Broadlawns Medical Center and St. Anthony Regional Hospital, as well as community-based stakeholders who value the impact and importance of AHEC, we are pleased to report progress in securing crucial bridge funding and remain optimistic about future funding sources. This solidifies our notion that AHEC's success in Iowa is solely dependent upon our ability to establish strong relationships and reinforcements that advocate for the good work of enhancing Iowa's healthcare workforce and access through quality programs and activities. Thank you for your continued encouragement and guidance! Program HighlightNortheast Iowa AHEC Nurse Camps
Northeast Iowa AHEC partnered with Allen College to offer two one-day nurse camps this fall. The camps, held October 19th and November 9th at Allen College, hosted high school students interested in exploring the nursing profession and preparing to pursue a college degree in nursing. Students learned about basic nursing skills, admission requirements for nursing school, the different levels of nursing and the vast array of job opportunities available to nurses. The camp provided students the opportunity to interact with Allen College nursing students, faculty and staff, as well as Allen Hospital nurses. Campers walked away with a clear understanding of the profession and the ever-growing need for nurses in the United States. "It was very informative, solidified my choice in education and opened my eyes to how I can use my education," praised one student. View more photos of the camps on Facebook. Advanced Education for Nurses Among Keys to Healthcare Success
For years we have been warned of the coming healthcare crisis when the baby boomers reach retirement age and that their need for health services will outweigh the supply of health professionals able to meet the demand. With the first wave of this generation turning 65 next year, that time has finally arrived. Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce that will be tasked with providing care to this aging population. But with a critical shortage of nurses as well as physicians, changes are needed to ensure the healthcare system continues to provide access to quality health services for all. On October 5th, the Institute of Medicine released The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the result of a two-year study to assess and transform the nursing profession. The report outlines an action-oriented blueprint to improve the delivery of healthcare and expand the role of nurses within the system. Among other things, the Institute of Medicine recommends that nurses practice to the full extent of their training and achieve a higher level of education and training. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has long held the view that a more highly educated nursing workforce could better respond to the rapidly changing healthcare system. They recommend that the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) be the highest standard of education for nursing when historically it has been the master of science in nursing (MSN). Simultaneously, they have been working to require the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree as the minimum education level for registered nurses and that all RNs earn a master's degree within 10 years of their licensure. According to new data, the healthcare industry agrees. In August, AACN conducted a survey of nursing schools to assess the experience of new graduates seeking employment. The findings show that despite a tough job market 65% of BSN students had job offers upon graduation compared to 24% for students from other professions. Many of America's nursing schools have already responded or are currently revamping their degree offerings. More MSN and DNP programs in a variety of nursing specialties are popping up every year. As America's largest population group ages and their healthcare needs increase, nurses will be needed more than ever to ease the burden on the healthcare system and continue delivering safe and effective patient care. © Copyright 2010 Des Moines University | HRSA Disclaimer |
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