The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has awarded $850,000 in federal funding to 85 nurse practitioner (NP) students this semester. The goal is to help strengthen Nevada’s healthcare workforce. The funding comes from a partnership with the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). The program directs federal funds to students and communities with the greatest need. Each student who receives funding has agreed to work in Nevada for at least three years after graduation. This aims to address the shortage of primary care providers in the state.
With this round of funding, 139 NP students in Nevada have now received support from the program. Nurse practitioners provide care such as diagnosing illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and prescribing medications. Their work is important in rural and underserved areas of Nevada, where access to healthcare is limited.
Several university departments, including the Orvis School of Nursing and Enrollment Services, worked together to distribute the funds. They identified eligible students, checked qualifications, and made sure awards were given out on time. Dr. Stephanie DeBoor, senior associate dean at the Orvis School of Nursing, said the initiative supports students who are committed to working in Nevada communities, which matches the purpose of the federal funding…