Millions available to help Michigan nurses enter, stay in profession
Foundation has already given out $1.7 million for scholarships, recovery
OKEMOS – As Michigan’s nursing crisis continues, one organization stands out for its financial support of students entering the nursing profession and nurses overcoming challenges to stay in it.
In just five months (September through January), the Michigan Nurses Foundation has awarded $1.7 million in scholarships for college students who plan to stay and practice nursing in Michigan, plus thousands more to support nurses and healthcare professionals juggling their careers with recovery.
The foundation (MNF) started administering a $6 million grant from the state in the fall to help support Michigan’s future and current nursing workforce. The next deadline for scholarship applications is June 1.
“The foundation helps nursing students and nurses who have a passion for service and plan to work in Michigan,” said Jessica Lannon, a registered nurse who is executive director of the nonprofit. “Whether in urban or rural settings, seasoned professionals or those just beginning their journey, it’s incredibly rewarding to assist financially when it can be a barrier to them meeting their goal. Our work touches not only those we serve directly, but also the future of health care across our state.”
The foundation also supports Michigan nurses and healthcare professionals recovering from substance use disorders or mental health issues. Eligible nurses and healthcare professionals must be enrolled in the state’s Health Professional Recovery Program, which monitors participants and ensures they meet requirements for testing and progress.
“We are the only Michigan organization that provides financial assistance for nurses and healthcare professionals in HPRP, and the need is significant,” Lannon said. “We’re all human and these roles are demanding. Healthcare emphasizes putting others first, sometimes at the expense of our own health and well-being. It’s crucial that all healthcare professionals get the support they need so that they can continue to practice safely and not lose them from the workforce.”
The foundation pays for testing and other expenses for eligible recovering nurses and healthcare professionals, which can total thousands per year. It is currently providing financial assistance to almost 100 individuals in recovery. MNF also provides money for practicing nurses to pursue certifications, attend conferences, and conduct research.
The bulk of the foundation’s work, though, is giving deserving nursing students at all levels grants of up to $7,000, helping more than 400 students since September.
College student Cho Aye Zi said her scholarship will make a big difference in her pursuit of becoming a nurse.
“I am a proud first-generation student at Michigan State university, and I am dedicated to becoming the first nurse in my family,” she said. “My Michigan Nurses Foundation scholarship will be a big help, both financially and academically. I am truly thankful to be able to continue chasing my dreams.”
Helping more people enter and stay in the nursing profession is critical, especially as the population ages.
And nearly 40 percent of Michigan nurses surveyed plan to leave the profession within a year, according to a 2023 University of Michigan study. Top workplace concerns included inadequate staffing and safety for patients and staff. While efforts to fix these issues must continue, work such as the foundation’s is important as well.
The foundation has been around since 2000, but had limited impact previously because it relied solely on donations. While private donors still play a crucial role in supporting its mission, the state grant has drastically expanded the foundation’s impact.
The foundation is closely associated with, although separate from, the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA). MNA is the largest union and professional association for registered nurses in Michigan. Applicants do not have to be MNA members to receive financial support from the foundation.
State Senators Sylvia Santana of Detroit and Mary Cavanagh of Redford Township were integral in helping to secure the $6 million state grant.
“The state’s relationship with the foundation enables us to make meaningful investments in the nursing workforce,” Santana said. “Supporting nurses should matter to all of us – we all need the care of a nurse at some point in our lives. Nurses are the heart of health care, and we need to do everything we can to support them.”
Cavanagh said: “The state grant that fuels the foundation’s expanded work is part of a multifaceted approach to supporting Michigan’s hard-working nursing students and nurses. I’m committed to using every tool we can to build this critical workforce, including supporting nurses in paying for their education and their recovery. The foundation is a fantastic partner in making all that happen.”
Contact: Dawn Kettinger, dawn.kettinger@minurses.org, 517-721-9688