Western Oklahoma State College

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is to increase the number of Registered Nurses (RNs) produced in southwest Oklahoma. Oklahoma currently ranks 46th in the nation for RNs per capita. The ultimate goal of an adequate nursing workforce is to increase the health outcomes in the state. Western Oklahoma State College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing, which is accredited by the National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN-CNEA). Western has a proven history of producing RNs for rural southwest Oklahoma for 40 years. Western currently offers the traditional face-to-face nursing program in Altus, Elk City and Lawton, OK, which services the entire southwest corner of the state. Western also offers an online option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This track gives the LPN student credit for their prior learning allowing the LPN to complete the nursing courses in one year. Through this project, Western will increase the number of graduates entering the nursing workforce through a multifaceted approach. Western plans to (1) increase the classroom capacity at the Elk City and Lawton nursing sites; (2) improve faculty and student support; and increase clinical capacity using simulation equipment. See attachments for additional project detail.

EVIDENCE

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing cites numerous factors that contribute to the nursing shortage. Two factors identified were insufficient nursing school enrollment and lack of qualified nursing faculty. Both of these factors will be addressed by this project. This project would hire an Assistant Director of Nursing Education that would serve as a recruiter along with other duties. Although Western currently has adequate nursing faculty, it is difficult to retain these faculty. This project would include retention stipends as well as curriculum consultant. Having the curriculum consultant and the Assistant Director would decrease the burden on the faculty.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Over 14% of Oklahoma?s population live in poverty. Western?s nursing program serves 10 counties in the southwest Oklahoma. Among these counties, three have a poverty rate of greater than 20%. These include Tillman County-21.1%, Harmon-23.9% and Greer-26%. Almost 40% of Oklahoma?s population belongs to a racial/ethnic minority group. 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

Western will collect data annually to measure project outcomes. Evidence of project success include: increased nursing student enrollment; increased nursing student retention; increased nursing degree production; and improved nursing faculty retention. Western will also gather program outcome data for licensure pass rates and employment rates as prescribed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and the accredited by the National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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