Northeast Technology Center District No. 11

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project addresses the nursing shortage in Northeast Technology Center?s (NT) district that serves five counties with a total population of 220,000. If funded, the grant will increase a minimum number of LPNs by 25% and RNs by 10-20 nurses annually. The COVID pandemic has resulted in significant nursing burnout resulting in nurses taking early retirement or leaving the profession. Prior to the pandemic, healthcare worker burnout rates averaged from 30% to 50%. Now, burnout rates range from 40% to 70% (Healthcaremedia.com). Additionally, a key component of nursing training involves participations in clinicals where students go to medical facilities for hands-on training. To minimize Covid spread, some long term care facilities is still not allowing on-site student clinicals. To increase the number of LPNs and RNs, Northeast Tech proposes to 1) supply a new simulation lab, 2) establish an LPN to RN bridge program, and hire a simulation specialist. These steps will allow the schools to graduate nursing students at almost twice the current rate. The Nursing Board counts time spent in clinical at a 1:1 ratio; whereas training using simulation can be counted as 1:2 ratio. This mean one simulation hour of training equates to two hours of clinical.

EVIDENCE

NT has a 48-year history of training LPNs. Over the last five years, 366 individuals have graduated the program. Evidence in terms of NT?s performance shows that: 94% percent earned their nursing licensure 94% percent remained in jobs related to nursing after licensure Three scholarly articles are detailed in the application attachments demonstrating evidence in terms of using simulated clinical experiences blended with on-site clinical training. Evidence supports student?s understanding and knowledge gained is equal to or greater than that of on-site clinicals. NT is one of the top three technology centers utilizing up to 30% simulation for clinical credit.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Vulnerable Population Mayes County Rogers County Ottawa County Craig County Delaware County American Indian? 22% 14% 20% 22% 24% Two or more races? 10% 8% 8% 9% 8% Individuals under 65 without insurance 19% 13% 20% 19% 22% Individuals under 65 with a disability 18% 18% 10% 15% 16% 17% Individuals in poverty 17% 8% 18% 18% 18% The above chart reports that northeast Oklahoma has a large percentage of American Indians, many representing the Cherokee tribe. Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health reports that COVID-19 has amplified health inequities in Native communities because of under-resourced health systems, limited access to health services, poor infrastructure and underlying health disparities. Further, except for Rogers County, the counties in Northeast Tech?s district show a very high poverty rate. Historically low-income individuals and those with disabilities show a strong need for medical services. Research shows that during the pandemic, low-income households are struggling to meet basic needs such as obtaining sufficient food, making housing payments and earning income (Source: 2021 Human Rights Watch).

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

NT and NEO report the following data to the Department of Career and Technology Education and/or the Board of Nursing annually: - Number of students meeting requirements for entry into nursing program. - Number of hours spent in simulation for clinical credit. - Number of students completing the program. - Number of students who withdraw, fail, or otherwise do not complete the program. - Number of students taking national assessment for licensed practical nurse licensure. - Number of students employed in LPN and RN positions after program completion.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding