Southwest Medical Center (SWMC), located in Liberal, Kansas, strives to be the leading provider of excellent health care in the communities it serves. So, the not-for-profit acute care hospital recently partnered with the KU School of Nursing to enhance its clinical practice with funds from the Advancing Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Grow and Stay program. 

"Our partnership with the University of Kansas School of Nursing ANEW grant team has enabled our leadership team and staff to engage in the site trainings offered using the grant funds," said Sandra Cain, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer at SWMC. 

"Their menu of education offerings provide our facility with a variety learning topics. Leadership and staff are able to gain new skills and perspectives," Cain said. "These shared opportunities will not only enhance our clinical practice but also fostered a more collaborative and knowledgeable environment within our team."

During the fall 2024 semester, over 115 professionals at SWMC learned through the ANEW program. 

"I spent the afternoon with 40 administrators, managers, and board members at the Leadership Development Institute, where the group explored Gallup’s CliftonStrengths in depth," said Tara Morrow, KBP and Education Manager, Rural Health Education & Services. "This powerful, performance-based tool helped individuals at SWMC identify their innate talents and leverage them to achieve daily success. On the second day, presentations focused on effective communication skills among staff members across the organization."

"SWMC is excited to have partnered with the ANEW program and we looking forward to continuing the journey," said Cain.

Morrow agreed, "The warmth and receptiveness of the SWMC employees make us excited to return in 2025 helping to foster a positive and even more engaging workplace environment."

This ANEW: Grow and Stay project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2.58 million with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The ANEW: Grow and Stay project period runs from 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2027. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information visit HRSA.gov.