Kansas Nursing Workforce Center announces grant from the Kansas Board of Regents to launch the Kansas Nursing Pathways Project

The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center, based at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, has received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Board of Regents to engage in several projects designed to increase interest in nursing and boost applications to nursing schools throughout the state. The grant also will fund a comprehensive report analyzing the relationship between the nursing shortage in the state and its education programs, providing insight into best practices and barriers for increasing nursing school applications, enrollments and licensing pass rates.

“The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center is so grateful for the support from the Board of Regents,” said Barbara MacArthur, MN, FAAN, director of the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center and a member of the faculty at KU School of Nursing. “By collecting data on nursing issues throughout the state, the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center has learned about the issues facing potential students as well as nurses at any stage in their career. The Kansas Nursing Pathways Project aims to increase applicants to pre-licensure nursing education programs, which is at the core of growing the nursing workforce.”

Enrollment in Kansas nursing education programs has steadily declined by 38% over the last 10 years. Additionally, a significant number of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses plan to retire in the next five years. Rural hospitals in the state are particularly vulnerable and could face closure.

“The mission of the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center aligns perfectly with the regents’ strategic plan for our state’s public higher education system,” said Blake Flanders, Ph.D., Kansas Board of Regents president and chief executive officer. “It will ensure that that our system is meeting a critical need in our state by developing a robust nursing talent pipeline and helping nurses deliver the best possible care.”

Previous projects conducted by the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center have included gathering and analyzing data to identify challenges to both nursing education and the nursing workforce in Kansas. MacArthur said this previous work will inform this new project as well. “A persistent shortage of nurses means that Kansas patients are at risk of not getting the care they need,” MacArthur said. “Potential nursing students struggle to see an educational pathway that fits their needs, and they often spend time and money filling out multiple applications. Nursing education programs have unfilled seats, and employers struggle to find nurses.”

As part of this project, the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center plans to establish a foundation for a future unified application that would serve all institutions providing nursing education in the state.

The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center also will build a web-based tool for individuals interested in nursing education. The web-based tool will then be disseminated to middle and high schools, colleges, universities, employers, agencies and associations to make it more clear how to become a nurse and what the options may be for careers in nursing.             

“A career in nursing starts by developing an interest,” MacArthur added. “The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center supports individuals from application through licensure and employment. This grant from the Kansas Board of Regents expands our efforts to create a sustainable nursing workforce across the state.”

KU School of Nursing will continue to support and house the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center throughout this initiative.

The Kansas Nursing Workforce Center was established at KU School of Nursing in August 2023 and is one of 46 in the nation focused on solving the nursing shortage issue. It is focused on using data and collaboration to address the nursing workforce shortage throughout the state.

• Read about the original launch of the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center
• Download the 2024 report on the state of nursing in Kansas
• Read about the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers

“The most important thing to note is that these funds enable the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center to measure the factors at the beginning of the pathway to educating and employing a future nurse,” MacArthur said. “When thinking about supply and demand for the nursing workforce, it all starts with education. Unless we fully understand the beginning, we cannot make progress with employment. These funds unlock that piece of the puzzle for the Kansas nursing workforce.”