New Mexico's health care system is facing a critical shortage of health care professionals. In response, lawmakers, universities and colleges throughout the state are collaborating to address this issue and produce more skilled nurses and nurse practitioners.
Bolstering this effort is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.
BCBSNM recently awarded $1.6 million to the University of New Mexico College of Nursing. These funds will be used to provide scholarships for Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science students and advanced practice Doctor of Nursing Practice students, in addition to establishing an endowed faculty professorship.
“It’s important to invest in our workforce of health care professionals, including nurses and nurse practitioners,” says Nancy Smith-Leslie, vice president of Medicaid at BCBSNM. “A well-trained workforce is essential to expanding access to care and improving quality of care in our state.”
“It’s important to invest in our workforce of health care professionals, including nurses and nurse practitioners. A well-trained workforce is essential to expanding access to care and improving quality of care in our state.”
Both ABSN and DNP students have already earned their degrees and are returning to UNM. Some are embarking on a second career in nursing, while others are transitioning from registered nurses to nurse practitioners or nurse-midwives with independent full-scope practice, including full prescriptive authority in New Mexico.
Because of this, they not only carry existing student debt but may also be ineligible for grants and loans traditionally available to only first-time students. The funding provided by BCBSNM will alleviate financial burdens associated with returning to school and will open doors for students who may not have previously considered pursuing an additional degree to serve the people of New Mexico.
“These dedicated students are returning to school to pursue their degrees and contribute to their communities. They represent the future of our state,” says Carolyn Montoya, UNM College of Nursing interim dean and professor. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico for their commitment to investing in our nurses and nurse practitioners. Undoubtedly, this support will greatly benefit the health of all New Mexicans.”
In addition to the shortage of health care workers, there is also a deficit of nursing faculty in the state and beyond. The UNM College of Nursing hopes to employ experts in the field to educate the next generation of nurses effectively. BCBSNM's contribution to establish a faculty endowment will enhance efforts to recruit and retain faculty specializing in midwifery, perinatal health, maternal-child health and women's health.
If you have a bachelor's degree and are interested in returning to school to become a nurse, apply to the UNM College of Nursing’s Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science program by Mar. 15. Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program close on Jan. 15 and re-open Aug. 15. Apply here.