Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

PROJECT PURPOSE

Currently ranking 46th in the nation for registered nurses (RNs) per capita, Oklahoma?s nursing shortage was greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of RNs needed to meet Oklahoma?s workforce demands is projected to increase 9.1% by 2028. Oklahoma?s state system of higher education plays a significant role in addressing the state?s current nursing shortage though Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) production. While state system institutions enrolled 15,074 students in degree programs leading to RN licensure eligibility and produced over 2,423 ADN and BSN graduates during the 2020-21 academic year, Oklahoma Works notes that current nursing education capacity does not meet demand in Oklahoma. Educational challenges to meeting Oklahoma?s nursing workforce needs include: the inability of nursing education programs to increase student enrollment due to lack of qualified nursing faculty; the relatively low percentage of RNs prepared at the BSN level; and the limited capacity of Oklahoma?s graduate nursing education programs to prepare Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Funding is requested to support nursing education and allied health program expansion at state system colleges and universities to address Oklahoma?s healthcare workforce shortages, which is expected improve health outcomes for all Oklahomans.

EVIDENCE

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing cites insufficient nursing school enrollment and lack of qualified nursing faculty as significant factors contributing to the nursing shortage. Currently, 22 of Oklahoma?s state system colleges and universities deliver high quality, OBN-approved BSN and ADN programs leading to RN licensure eligibility. Additionally, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are offered at four state system universities and doctoral level nursing programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) are offered at two state system universities.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Almost 40% of Oklahoma?s population belongs to a racial/ethnic minority group. Over 14% of Oklahoma?s population live in poverty. Research demonstrates health disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in the U.S., with members of racial and ethnic minority groups experiencing higher risks of COVID-19 positivity and disease severity. Further, socioeconomic and racial disparities in access to affordable healthcare options limit prevention education and treatment options for COVID-19, as well as many other chronic health conditions. Individuals identifying as white in Oklahoma are more likely to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 whereas Hispanics and Native Americans are overrepresented in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state. Increasing the number of nursing degree program graduates in Oklahoma aligns directly with the state?s efforts to improve health outcomes and health equity for its citizens.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The OSRHE will collect data from participating institutions to measure program outcomes. Evidence of project success include: increased nursing and allied health student enrollment; increased nursing and allied health student retention; increased nursing and allied health degree production; increased number of qualified nursing faculty at state system institutions; and improved nursing faculty retention.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

FY23 state system of higher education budget request includes $10 million for nursing programs.

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Not able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma