Grants for Strengthening Nursing Workforce and Healthy Work Environments

Media Contacts:
Mary Boyle, AARP, mboyle@aarp.org  
Kristie Aylett, AACN, kristie.aylett@aacn.org

AARP and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Critical-Care) have awarded more than $355,000 to 20 projects offering innovative and replicable solutions to strengthen the nursing workforce by creating and sustaining healthy work environments aimed at improving recruitment and retention rates of registered nurses.

Strengthening the nursing workforce and sustaining healthy work environments are crucial to addressing a shortage that has already resulted in the loss of 100,000 registered nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a 2023 National Council of State Boards of Nursing report. ﷟

Another 600,000 nurses have reported intent to leave the workforce by 2027, according to the same report, raising significant concerns for our nation’s health care system. Creating healthy work environments is essential for recruiting and retaining a strong nursing workforce. Nurses cannot optimally contribute to care delivery across the continuum without healthy work environments. Healthy work environments reduce stress, enhance overall job satisfaction, and foster a sense of belonging for patients, families, and health care team members. 

“Nurses play a critical role in protecting the health of our nation, but they need healthy work environments to effectively deliver care,” said Alan Weil, senior vice president, public policy and director of AARP Public Policy Institute. “AARP is proud to provide ongoing support to ensure a strong nursing workforce across all care settings where nurses practice.”

“Nurses represent the largest segment of the health care workforce, which positions them as essential catalysts for addressing health care challenges while driving innovation and transformation in the field,” said Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, chief clinical officer for AACN. “Creating supportive, healthy work environments isn’t just beneficial for nurses, it creates a ripple effect that can improve patient outcomes and strengthen family experiences.”

The funded projects are from Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Viriginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

AARP administers the award program.

Find out about the projects.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, with 137,000 members and nearly 200 chapters in the United States. To achieve its vision of a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families, where nurses make their optimal contribution, AACN’s advocacy priority is to establish and sustain healthy work environments that support nursing excellence.