The key areas of this center are recruitment into nursing education programs, preparation for entry into practice (including nursing student retention), preparation for advanced nursing practice, and continuing education for RNs practicing in the Nursing Institute service area. Nursing practice is interpreted broadly to include direct patient care, as well as administration and education.

The scope of responsibility for the Nursing Education Center is:

• Recruitment of pre-licensure students
• Recruitment of qualified RNs to continue their education for more advanced roles
• Retention of students in all programs but especially in pre-licensure programs
• Pilot educational options to facilitate adequate numbers of the types of nurses needed in the Nursing Institute service area

The main priority for the work of all centers is quality nursing care in west central Ohio. The assumption related to Nursing Education Center that underlies this priority is that the supply of nurses must include adequate numbers and appropriate preparation Well-prepared nurses, matched to roles for which they are prepared, are able to keep their social contract with the people they serve.

The work of the Nursing Education Center will include the following functions:

• Serve as a central clearinghouse for recruitment initiatives with primary and secondary schools.
• Develop a web site with information on nursing as a profession and nursing education. This will include links to all partner educational program web sites.
• Develop pilot projects with primary and secondary schools for nursing student recruitment
  • Address nursing profession image and facilitate an interest in nursing careers
  • Address needs in science, mathematics and reading
  • Restart summer and precollege experiences for potential nursing students among member educational institutions
  • Explore options for software to better track students from inquiry through graduation. Software would be shared but databases would be proprietary.
• Develop student retention projects
• Pilot a variety of support methods for at-risk students
• Evolve externship programs for pre-licensure students
• Pilot co-op options for undergraduates
• Evolve internships for newly licensed RNs
• Evolve fellowships for graduate students
• Pilot process improvements that facilitate adult learners returning to school
• Develop pilot projects for RN-BS in Nursing transition
• Resolve distance learning platform problems between WSU and associate degree sites
• Explore a variety of scheduling options
• Develop a post-baccalaureate entry into practice options for non-RN focusing on historically Black college/university graduates
• Explore a variety of postbaccalaureate entry for those wanting career change.
These Nursing Education Center activities should correctly prepare the service areaÕs nursing workforce.