More than 2.6 million workers in the healthcare industry are registered nurses (RNs), according to the latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of available positions in this industry is expected to increase, so individuals who wish to compete for these jobs may want to consider obtaining a degree in nursing.
Fortunately, some foundations are launching initiatives that are intended to advance the careers and education of those who are both teaching and studying nursing.
For instance, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has announced 12 nurses from across the country will participate in the Nurse Faculty Scholars (NFS) program. The award is given to junior faculty members who show outstanding potential to serve as educators in the nursing industry.
Those who wish to qualify for the program must also be RNs who have held a faculty position at a nursing school for at least two years, but less than five.
Each junior faculty member will receive $350,000 that they can use for research as well as guidance from senior faculty members, over a three-year period. Altogether, RWJF will provide $28 million so they can promote their academic careers.
Some of the areas in which these individuals may choose to conduct their research include blood flow in preterm infants, reducing suffering among cancer patients and decreasing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Anna D. Wolf, professor at the Johns Hopkins University school of nursing and program director, says this program is having a tremendous impact "on nursing schools and nursing research." She adds that the individuals who are chosen will "identify ways to improve the nation's health and healthcare."
Along with research and education, the individuals who receive the money from RWJF will also participate in mentoring activities at their school. These include leadership training, networking events and community service.
The program hopes to create more educators in the nursing field so that they may train a greater number of individuals for positions and meet the demands within healthcare.
Students who are interested in obtaining a nursing degree may find they can acquire the knowledge, tools and experience they need to move forward in this industry through similar programs.
The BLS reports that over the next eight years, positions for RNs will increase by 22 percent, and 581,500 new jobs will be created.
