Public Announcements
New in 2024 - WisPAN Introducing Peer Support for Nurse Mental Wellness
https://wipeeralliance.org/contact/
WISCAP Receives $4.8 Million Grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to Support Increasing Wisconsin’s Nursing Workforce
Governor Tony Evers announced today that WISCAP will receive $4.8 million as part of the Workforce Innovation Grant Program through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). WISCAP’s network will use Workforce Innovation funding to provide opportunities for low to moderate income individuals in 47 counties to up-skill or re-skill into high demand nursing careers such as: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Medical Assistant, Associate Degree Nurse, and Registered Nurse (RN). The announcement comes as part of Round 2 of the governor’s Workforce Innovation Grant investment that provides $40.5 million to support collaborative, sustainable and innovative pandemic-recovery plans developed by regional organizations.
“WISCAP’s network is dedicated to helping families and individuals in Wisconsin realize true economic security, and the COVID pandemic has made it increasingly clear that a major re-investment in the nursing workforce is necessary. This grant from WEDC significantly furthers that goal,” said Brad Paul, WISCAP Executive Director.
Ten WISCAP member agencies have committed to helping up-skill or re-skill at least 142 low to moderate income individuals in a nursing profession. These member agencies include: ADVOCAP, Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Couleecap, CAP Services, Lakeshore Community Action Program, Newcap, Social Development Commission, Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, and Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council.
In addition to the ten WISCAP member agencies, LeadingAge Wisconsin will partner in the award and provide on-site training opportunities and placements for up to 50 participants seeking to become a CNA. Training and placement will occur at one of LeadingAge’s members’ long-term care facilities throughout the state. LeadingAge member facilities will provide additional support for participants pursuing a CNA in areas such as financial education and workforce skills development.
Governor Evers, DHS Announce Launch of WisCaregiver Careers Program Expansion
Expanded program will train more certified nursing aides to support Wisconsin’s nursing homes
Following a recently announced $6 million investment, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the launch of the WisCaregiver Careers program expansion, the state’s free certified nurse aide (CNA) workforce development program. Wisconsinites who wish to start or advance a health care career as a CNA in Wisconsin nursing homes are encouraged to register at WisCaregiver.com. More than 240 employers have registered to participate in the program that provides on-the-job training to participants.
“Wisconsin’s health care and nursing workforce is an essential part of ensuring the health and wellness of our entire state,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “With an aging population and a nursing workforce shortage that has existed for the better part of the last decade, we’re investing in and expanding this successful program to ensure every Wisconsinite has the quality care they need and deserve, while bringing free, on-the-job training to Wisconsinites statewide.”
The WisCaregiver Careers program, administered by the Wisconsin Health Care Association and LeadingAge Wisconsin, was launched to address the shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Wisconsin nursing homes. Since its launch in 2018, the program has trained more than 3,500 new CNAs for employment.
“This expansion of WisCaregiver Careers will make rewarding careers in health care possible for even more Wisconsinites, adding staff who will offer critical support to residents in long term care settings and to our existing health care workforce that continues to be on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “I applaud the joint leadership of the Wisconsin Health Care Association and LeadingAge Wisconsin to shape this program in a way that can support and serve nursing homes and residents across the state."
In addition to expanding the program, the funding will support a statewide multi-media campaign to recruit interested Wisconsinites. The campaign includes a new website, which contains a map of currently registered employers, one of several new tools to help prospective CNA trainees connect with employers in their communities. The media campaign includes streaming radio and TV ads, as well as social media outreach and print ads in local newspapers across the state.
“We’d like to thank Gov. Evers and his administration for this critical investment in the future stability of the long-term care sector,” said Rick Abrams, CEO of the Wisconsin Health Care Association. “In doing so, the governor has removed a significant financial obstacle that has long impeded access to quality CNA training across the state. This critical program not only benefits prospective caregivers, but most importantly the residents and families they serve.”
“Wisconsin’s nursing homes provide rewarding opportunities in health care for those looking for a career path and who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others,” said John Sauer, President/CEO of LeadingAge Wisconsin. “The WisCaregiver Careers program is an excellent way for individuals to gain free training, testing, mentoring, and career exploration while earning money as a direct care worker. We are looking forward to working with those who are ready to partner with our excellent long-term care providers throughout the state.”
Wisconsinites interested in beginning a CNA career in health care can register at WisCaregiver.com. Registrants will receive a confirmation email and begin the process of connecting with employer training sites in their community. They can also watch a video of what this process looks like.
Employers at Wisconsin nursing homes can still register to participate by filling out an employer registration form. For more information, contact [email protected]
Wisconsin Approved $5 Million in Funds to Offset Educational Expenses for Nurses Interested in Becoming a Nurse Educator
The WLN is extremely excited to share with you the news that Wisconsin has approved $5 million in funds to offset educational expenses for nurses enrolled in PhD in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice or Master of Nursing (Educator track) programs with a passion to work as a nurse educator after graduation. If you are interested in becoming a nurse educator or are currently working as one and interested in graduate education, this program may be a great fit for you!
The Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) will distribute funding to students admitted to an approved school (see attached pdf) and applications will be available online (https://heab.state.wi.us/features/nep.html) starting July 15, 2022. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-serve basis with dollars available for fall 2022 enrollment. Applications will be received until all funds are distributed. The funds are available to U.S. citizens only and may be used to cover the cost of tuition as well as expenses related to school such as books, travel, childcare and etc. Students must maintain full-time enrollment and must commit to teaching nursing at an approved Wisconsin-based school for at least three years post-graduation.
The WLN is sharing this information as a partner of Administrators of Nursing Education of Wisconsin. Attached to this email is a pdf of the Wisconsin Nurse Faculty Program Guidelines, a list of approved schools and Frequently Asked Questions. For more information on this initiative, visit the ANEW website.
If you would like more information, please contact a representative from an approved school you are interested in attending.
Wisconsin Nurse Faculty Program Guidelines
Watch the First International DAISY Day Conference: Celebrating the Art of Nursing Around the World
We hope you will enjoy the sessions and speakers!
Here is the link to view the entire day:
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The first few slides are a thank you to our sponsors and the program will start a few minutes after you begin.
To help us prepare for future conferences, we would appreciate your completing this survey:
- As this was our first conference, we are eager for your feedback!
