The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) has been awarded a $150,000 State Implementation Program (SIP) grant through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. UMSON’s grant is in effect from November 2015 through January 2017.

SIP grants were created to support the implementation othe Institute of Medicines recommendations outlined in its 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health by the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action state Coalitions. Through this award, UMSON Seeks to streamline academic progression in Maryland by increasing the percentage of nurses who are Bachelor of Science in Nursing-prepared, and enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in nursing.

Associate and baccalaureate degree programs in the state will work in tandem to review the Maryland RN-to-BSN articulation agreement and revise and refine the document to reflect the exciting work currently occurring around academic progression. This project will continue the work of UMSON’s previous SIP “Dual Enrollment Model” grant from 2013-15.

There will also be a focus on developing a Maryland Action Coalition Diversity and Inclusivity Strategic Plan. In implementing this plan, a taskforce of key stakeholders will convene to examine best practices within Maryland, craft a mission and vision statement, and develop an outcomes-based strategic plan to guide Maryland Action Coalition initiatives.

“This is an important work that will ensure a smoother path for academic progression and the development of a diverse, iinclusive, and representative workforce. It is work that needs the support of the entire nursing community,” said UMSON’s SIP Program Director Rebecca Wiseman, PhD ’93, RN, associate professor and chair of UMSON’s program at the Universities at Shady Grove. “It is all about guaranteeing that people who interact with the health care system have the best care from the best nurses.”