University of North Dakota addresses rural nursing shortage with new program

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — The University of North Dakota has launched a new program aimed at addressing the rural nursing shortage in the state.

The program known as Gero-STARR was launched with the aid of a $3.6 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

During the program, they will be involved in classroom learning, simulation training, and supervised clinical experience in a rural clinic.

Eligible students come from rural North Dakota communities and commit to working in the state for one year after graduation.

“Working in a facility in a smaller community, I think many of those students will come to love working in that environment,” said Dawn Denny, Program Director of Gero-STARR.

The program currently has eight students enrolled, and will enroll eight more in the following year.