Rural nurses are the backbone of healthcare in agricultural communities. To celebrate them and to promote rural health outcomes, AgriSafe is offering 125 continuing education scholarships for nurses who serve areas designated as “rural and medically underserved” to take their Nurse Scholar program free of charge.
“At AgriSafe, we recognize the critical role nurses play in promoting public health and safety. Especially in medically underserved rural areas,” says Jessica Salerno, AgriSafe Director of Clinical and Occupational Health Education. “Our scholarship program and educational courses are tailored to empower nurses with the knowledge as well as skills needed to effectively address the health disparities prevalent in agricultural communities.”
AgriSafe’s scholarship program, established to support rural nurses in accessing educational resources, offers free scholarships to eligible candidates. The program aims to facilitate the participation of nurses from diverse backgrounds, ranging from LPNs to nurse practitioners. These courses cover a wide array of topics. These include personal protective equipment, pesticide exposure prevention, zoonotic diseases, mental health risks, and more.
“Our goal is to empower and educate nurses, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of rural communities. By providing nurses with the necessary tools and resources, we aim to bridge the gap in healthcare access and also address the specific health needs of agricultural workers and residents.”
Moreover, AgriSafe acknowledges the critical role of nurses in mitigating healthcare workforce shortages prevalent in rural areas. By equipping nurses with specialized knowledge and skills, AgriSafe encourages them to remain in agricultural communities and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.
As part of its ongoing efforts, AgriSafe collaborates with healthcare professionals, educators, and stakeholders to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of its programs. The organization continuously seeks feedback from participants to tailor its courses according to the evolving needs of agricultural communities.
