UM-Flint Launches UM-FERN to Address Thumb Region Nursing Shortage

The UM-Flint School of Nursing has launched the UM-FERN project to tackle the nursing shortage in Michigan's Thumb.
UM-Flint School of Nursing receives $3.94M grant to address rural nursing shortage

The University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing has unveiled a new initiative to tackle the nursing shortage in Michigan’s Thumb region. The UM-Flint Educates Rural Nurses program (UM-FERN) is supported by a four-year, $3.94 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program aims to boost the number of nurses in rural and underserved communities, focusing on Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties.

<em>Keiser left and Turkelson<em> right

Leading the project are Megan Keiser, a professor of nursing and director of academic programs, serving as project manager, and Carman Turkelson, a professor of nursing and director of the Center for Simulation & Clinical Innovation, who acts as UM-FERN’s assistant director.

“This initiative aligns with the guidelines set forth by the National Academy of Medicine’s ‘Future of Nursing 2020-2030’ report and emphasizes the importance of increasing nursing education opportunities,” said Keiser. The goal is to equip local residents with skills to enhance community health care quality in underserved regions.

Michigan faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the U.S., with rural areas like the Thumb region hit hardest. The shortage impacts health care quality and accessibility, overburdening existing staff and facilities.

The key objectives of the project are:

  • Increasing enrollment and graduation rates. The initiative aims to boost BSN student numbers from the Thumb region by offering financial aid for prerequisite courses and the accelerated BSN program.
  • Offering specialized training. Opportunities will be developed for students to gain targeted training in acute and long-term care settings within the Thumb region.
  • Providing an accelerated pathway. The UM-FERN program will create an accelerated pathway to address the shortage of nurses in rural areas.
  • Establishing clinical faculty and preceptors. Dedicated clinical faculty and preceptors will be established at local health care facilities to provide comprehensive training.
GST Michigan Works, Michigan Center for Rural Health, Thumb Community Health Partnership
<em>Partners to UM FERN<em>

UM-FERN will employ advanced simulation-based education, including virtual reality, for hands-on training. The Rural Health Nursing Residency includes an 80-hour clinical immersion, preparing students for immediate employment. Supported by HRSA, partnerships include GST Michigan Works!, the Thumb Community Health Partnership, and the Michigan Center for Rural Health.

For updates, visit the school’s Instagram page.



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