Mid-Del Technology Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

Before the pandemic, Oklahoma was ranked 46th in the nation in the number of nurses per 100,000. (source:2020 CQ state ranking) The pandemic has significantly worsened the situation because of the impact of COVID, early retirements, and the historically large population over 65. Hospitals continue to have less staffed beds because of shortage. . In 2021, MDTC turned away at least 20 qualified LPN applicants because we reached our capacity. Through this grant, MDTC would double the capacity for practical nursing students. This program will add two additional instructors and would allow us to increase our student program capacity by 20 students per year. MDTC will fill the additional capacity by partnering with our high schools, Carl Albert HS, Del City High School and Midwest City High School to recruit students into our health careers program and seamlessly transition them into our LPN program. We will continue to work with Rose State College to pathway them into their Registered Nurse (RN) program. Students may elect to move directly to industry to work in their respective skills and certifications earned through MDTC. Creating this career pathway will assist in meeting this increasing demand both now and in the future.

EVIDENCE

There is evidence of need for more nurses due to three specific areas: 1) Impact of COVID-19 on the staffing needs of healthcare systems, 2) Early retirements from nursing, and 3) the aging population within our nation and our state. These three areas, including the specific need for more nurses within Oklahoma, are covered in the attached documentation, along with sited sources.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The students who would benefit from this program will be both high school and adult students. High school students pay no tuition for our educational programs, including this one, based on our funding structure. In 2020, 51% of students in Mid-Del school qualified for free/reduced meals. Adults pay a low, affordable tuition rate and have the ability to apply for federal assistance such as Pell Grants and VA Benefits. This allows us to serve a population in which continuing education would be financially not feasible.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

MDTC's PN program focuses on the six QSEN competencies incorporated throughout the curriculum: patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety and informatics. MDTC Faculty uses a daily evaluation tool to determine students' achievement of these competencies in the classroom and clinical sites. These competencies, along with year end graduation & NCLEX pass rates are used to determine overall program success.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma