Green Country Technology Center

PROJECT PURPOSE

Recognizing the workforce shortage of healthcare professionals, Green Country Technology Center proposes to increase the number of LPN students accepted into and completing their current Licensed Practical Nurse Program, which is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. The employment change between 2016 and 2026 in Oklahoma is 11,500 new LPNs. Over the past five years, the OBN reported approximately 1150 LPN candidates sat for the NLCLEX-PN exam and of those, 87% pass on the first time of taking the exam. Oklahoma CareerTech does an excellent job of preparing LPNs for the Oklahoma workforce and would like to offer more opportunities to more students. Studies support the use of simulation in nursing education increases the graduates development of critical thinking skills and success on NCLEX. Faculty training and procurement of quality high fidelity mannequins will make a huge impact on student recruitment, retention and success. GCTC plans to upgrade it?s current skills lab and add an additional cohort within 12 months of receiving funding

EVIDENCE

Nurses are in high demand due to an existing nursing shortage exacerbated by the Covid Pandemic. We are faced with a drastic increase in the shortage as nurses are choosing to leave the profession due to retirement, burn-out, and even wage disparities. Increasing the number of graduates prepared to successfully pass the NCLEX examination is key. This starts with innovative approaches to delivering the highest quality of education possible. Research ties simulation in nursing education with success in developing critical thinking skills and decision making crucial to safe effective patient care.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The pandemic has disproportionately affected Oklahoma?s Native American, Elderly and Poverty-stricken populations, which represents a high portion of Okmulgee County. Health Care facilities are working with limited staff and resources, which has a direct impact on health care delivery. By adding Licensed Practical Nurses, this will relieve the workforce shortage in Long Term Care, Ambulatory Care, and Acute Care environments. LPNs work in these environments by serving as primary care givers and often as leaders in their facility. Nationwide, between 20% and 30% of frontline US health-care workers say they are considering leaving the profession. COVID-19 has led to unprecedented burnout of nurses, especially those in direct care. Increasing the number of qualified nursing applicants, and providing quality education through simulation will have a role providing highly trained nurses for the workforce

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Both the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing collect data yearly on Licensed Practical Nursing programs. This data includes the number of students who meet entrance requirements, enrollment, completion, and the number of students taking the (NCLEX-PN). ODCTE?s follow-up data on employment one-year post-graduation, workplace, and salary. The OBN data allows the public to easily see a trend of more students, more graduates, and more credentialed nurses. As the ultimate determinate of success will be measured by qualified completers finding and keeping employment, the data is present with no additional resources necessary.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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