The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and states have launched a $275 million initiative to recruit and retain nurses in nursing homes, with students and licensed nurses qualified for up to $40,000 in student loan repayment, or a $10,000 stipend.
In exchange, nurses must serve in a qualifying nursing home for three years; such facilities would likely be in a rural community or area with higher labor shortages, according to a statement from CMS.
The Nurses for Nursing Homes initiative is funded through civil monetary penalties collected by states and CMS from nursing homes and is expected to support more than 4,000 nurses across the country.
CMS has committed $100 million, and states are committing at least an additional $175 million.
“Without taking a dime from taxpayers, CMS is empowering the next generation of nurses to pursue their dreams and helping residents form deep bonds with caregivers so they can live happier, healthier lives,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said of the initiative.
To receive payments, nurses must hold an active registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse license (LPN/LVN) at the time the candidate begins their employment.
Also, nurses must work at least 30 hours per week at a qualifying nursing home, have eligible student loan debt or have graduated within the past two years to qualify for the stipend.
“This initiative will recruit and retain thousands of nurses, expand care in rural and high-need communities, and create new pathways into long-term care careers,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “We are putting resources directly behind the nurses who care for our seniors and strengthening the quality, stability, and dignity of nursing home care across America.”
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates.)
Companies featured in this article:
