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- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Federal Grant Secured for Rural Nursing Training
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing has received a $3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to address the ongoing need for nurses in rural and underserved communities across the state. The funding supports the establishment of the Nevada Rural Nurse Scholars Program at UNR’s Lake Tahoe campus and runs through August 2030.
Nevada Rural Nurse Scholars Program Details
The flagship effort will see its first cohort of 16 students begin in January 2027. Over the course of the four-year grant, university officials expect approximately 96 students to graduate from the program, each prepared for the unique challenges of rural health care practice. The program specifically aims to bolster the state’s rural nursing workforce through targeted education and support.
Specialized Curriculum and Hands-On Rural Health Care Experience
Enrollees in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Lake Tahoe campus will benefit from special training focused on rural health care delivery. Each participant will complete at least 100 additional hours of community-based learning and hands-on experience in rural health care settings. Students will work directly with rural health care providers and gain a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges of practicing in remote areas.
Financial Support and Partnerships
To help alleviate living expenses, the program provides a $1,000 housing and meal stipend each semester for participating nursing students. An $80,000 portion of the grant is directed to Carson Valley Health, which will use the funds to support students pursuing rural nursing careers and to train clinical instructors who supervise nursing students during their rural placements.
Enhanced Training Through Simulation and Conference Opportunities
The grant also expands simulation-based education at the Lake Tahoe campus. This includes introducing virtual reality technology and utilizing standardized patients to help students practice and refine clinical skills specific to rural settings. Students in the program will have the opportunity to attend rural nursing conferences, further connecting them with the broader community of health care professionals serving remote areas.
Wellness and Burnout Prevention
Recognizing the demanding nature of rural practice, the program includes a wellness coordinator role. This coordinator will provide resources to help prevent burnout and assist students in managing stress as they progress through their training.
Development of Specialized Credentials
To further support clinical instructors and enhance the learning environment, the program will develop a Rural and Community-Based Nursing Preceptor Microcredential. This training credential is designed to prepare instructors to guide nursing students in rural and community-based health care settings, elevating the quality of instruction and aligning it with the needs of Nevada's rural communities.
Addressing Nursing Shortages in Rural Nevada
Charles Yingling, dean of the Orvis School of Nursing and principal investigator for the grant, emphasized the importance of matching educational programs to community needs. "Nevada’s rural communities don’t need more reports about the nursing shortage. They need nurses. This program was built around what those communities actually need from a nurse,” Yingling said. He highlighted that rural practice is both unique and challenging, and the new program aims to better prepare nurses for these conditions from the start of their education at Lake Tahoe.
Source: thisisreno.com.
