$1 million grant to Roseman University aims to help veterans pursue nursing careers

By Jackie Valley

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 | 8:17 p.m.

Roseman University of Health Sciences recently received a $1 million grant that stands to help veterans and boost the region's nursing workforce.

The three-year federal grant will support military veterans' transition to nursing careers through a variety of supports, such as providing academic credit for prior military training, experience and leadership, officials said.

Roseman's College of Nursing faculty will take part in development activities to better understand military culture and teaching strategies that address the unique needs of veterans.The program plans to look closely at physical, emotional and environmental issues facing veterans that may impact learning and future employment.

"Studies have shown the difficulty for veterans assimilating back into civilian life, getting a job and using the medical skills they developed in the military," Jene Hurlbut, professor and grant program director at Roseman, said in a statement. "The grant enables Roseman University to build on the foundation of their military experiences with the nursing education curriculum and clinical experiences to develop them into nursing leaders."

Roseman is the only institution in the Intermountain West region to receive the grant. The Health Resources and Services Administration, which awarded grants to 30 institutions, expects the funds to help 1,000 veterans nationwide obtain bachelor's degrees in nursing.

"Not only does this provide great career opportunities for our veterans, but it helps address the need for highly skilled professional nurses in Southern Nevada and the region," Brian Oxhorn, dean of the College of Nursing, said in a statement.

Roseman's College of Nursing, located in Henderson, offers an 18-month program and an accelerated 15-month program for students pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing degree.