Webster University Receives Grant to Address Missouri's Nursing Shortage

Webster University received a grant for more than $111,000 from the Missouri State Board of Nursing to improve access to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, particularly for those studying to teach nursing in rural and underserved areas of the state.

“Webster’s Master of Science in Nursing alumni are already filling critical roles in clinical and academic settings to address the nursing shortage, and this grant will expand our efforts further," said Janice Palmer, chair of Webster’s Department of Nursing. "We are helping to address the nursing shortage by providing nurse educators to teach nursing students at local community colleges and universities and support new nurses as they transition to the workforce. This grant is aimed at reaching potential students who can’t easily commute to campus but wish to expand their nurse educator and leadership abilities by pursuing a masters.”

To better serve these students’ needs, Webster’s in-person MSN program will transition to a live virtual environment that will include weekly online modules for the students and Zoom sessions. The grant will cover the costs of developing curriculum and designing the class content, as well as enhance Webster’s existing nursing curriculum by hiring experts in epidemiology, disease processes and other topics for lectures.

This grant was one of seven awarded in 2022 through the Nursing Education Incentive Program (NEIP) which was established in 2011 to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs in Missouri. The funding comes from the Missouri State Board of Nursing funds. The Missouri State Board of Nursing is under the Division of Professional Registration that is part of the Department of Commerce and Insurance which works in cooperation with the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development.

This grant is aimed at reaching potential students who can’t easily commute to campus but wish to expand their nurse educator and leadership abilities by pursuing a masters.”

“The Governor has made it clear that his priorities include workforce, infrastructure, and health care," said Lori Scheidt, executive director of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. "He has all departments working in synergy on these priorities. We are extremely proud of our Missouri nursing programs for proposing solutions to the nursing shortage and embracing innovation."

To learn more about Webster’s nursing programs, visit webster.edu/arts-and-sciences/academics/nursing/nursing.php. To apply, email admissions@Webster.edu.