Addressing nursing workforce development issues through a statewide coalition

Although the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation became a national philanthropy in 1972 and has operated on a national scale since then, it also has continued funding a limited number of local institutions and projects in the New Brunswick area and throughout New Jersey. It does so in part to honor the legacy of its founder, and in part to recognize the special responsibilities to the communities and the state in which it is located.This grant supports the establishment of a statewide office for nursing workforce development in New Jersey. The office would be initiated under the auspices of the Rutgers University College of Nursing. It would build on the role of the College as the lead institution in the State under the Foundation's national program to foster regional stakeholder coalitions in nursing (Colleagues in Caring). The College will sponsor the emergence of a permanent office addressed to New Jersey's quest for a nursing care workforce commensurate with its needs. The College has worked with the State Legislature and the Governor's Office to advance the concept of an independent office for this purpose. Enabling legislation appears imminent--but startup funding is problematic. Thus, this grant will help fund the initial two years of the office. The project will be considered successful if it leads to a robust center under an independent board--with the capacity and standing to: (1) define and project the optimal size, composition, and distribution of New Jersey's corps of nursing personnel; and (2) identify practicable measures for building and sustaining the workforce required.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $712,213.00

Awarded on: 12/16/2002

Time frame: 1/1/2003 - 12/31/2006

Grant Number: 45611