Nursing professor Nikki May is committed to helping address workforce shortages that threaten to undermine health care access and quality in rural New Mexico communities like the one she’s from.
May was recently named the inaugural Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Nursing Professor of Practice at New Mexico State University’s School of Nursing.
“I’m excited to partner with BCBSNM to recruit and retain nurses in rural New Mexico — especially as someone who grew up in Silver City, where I first developed my love for rural health care,” May says.
The new position is part of a strategic collaboration between NMSU’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation and BCBSNM, which funded a $500,000 grant to support the role. The funding will also provide 40 scholarships for senior nursing and social work students committed to working in New Mexico at least one-year after graduation.
BCBSNM has invested $1 million since 2020 to support health care workforce development at NMSU.
May, who has a doctorate degree in nursing practice from the University of New Mexico, says her passion for serving rural communities fuels her determination to create robust career pathways for aspiring nurses who will make a lasting impact on their hometowns.
“Having worked as a nurse for eight years, I understand the obstacles faced by health care providers in these underserved areas,” May says.
At the heart of her strategy is an outreach initiative that aims to connect with rural and tribal communities. The goal is to cultivate nursing talent in these regions and support them with resources and mentorship.
“The undergraduate nursing program at NMSU enrolls about 40% of its students from these rural regions,” says Alexa Doig, director of the NMSU School of Nursing. “Our goal is to make NMSU the top choice for nursing education among individuals from these communities.”
Collaboration is key to this ambitious mission. May plans to coordinate efforts with local public schools and clinical partners, ensuring nursing students have the exposure and experience they need to excel in their future careers.
Additionally, the school of nursing will strengthen ties with the NMSU American Indian Program and College Assistance Migrant Program, which are focused on supporting students from rural backgrounds.
May also will help expand the school of nursing’s teaching capacity to address New Mexico's increasing demand for nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing the health care needs of underserved communities in our state,” says Nancy Smith-Leslie, vice president of Medicaid at BCBSNM. “Investing in nursing education and workforce development is essential. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to the impact this initiative will have on communities across New Mexico.”