The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced in December that the South Carolina One Voice One Plan (OVOP) Future of Nursing Action Coalition will be part of a $4.5 million initiative, the Future of Nursing State Implementation Program. The State Implementation Program bolsters efforts already underway in 50 states and the District of Columbia—the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action—to improve health and health care through nursing through implementation of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) evidence-based recommendations on the future of nursing. It provides a vehicle for nurses at all levels to lead system change to improve care for patients and families through collaboration with business, consumer, and other health professional organizations.
“We are confident that this grant will help spur progress in South Carolina, which already is doing notable work to transform nursing practice, education, and leadership,” said Susan B. Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, RWJF senior adviser for nursing and director of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action.
The State Implementation Program is providing the SC Action Coalition with a $150,000 two-year grant and states had to obtain matching funds to receive the grant. In addition to the USC College of Nursing, matching funds were contributed by the SC Hospital Association, the SC Nurses Association, AARP South Carolina, and the Gamma Omicron chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society from MUSC in Charleston.
“The diverse leadership of our Action Coalition and our focus on meaningful outcomes that improve care were key factors in SC being selected,” said Dr. Peggy Hewlett, Director of the SC Center for Nursing Leadership and program director for the grant. “We are part of a powerful movement that is improving health care for all Americans. The SC OVOP Future of Nursing Action Coalition is grateful to RWJF for this support, which will strengthen our work immeasurably.” She noted that the Action Coalition plans to focus on increasing the numbers of registered nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level and providing optimal leadership development for nurses across all settings. The SC Center for Nursing Leadership and the SC Hospital Association serve as the two co-lead organizations for the Action Coalition.
“This new program will help Action Coalitions get the strategic and technical support required to advance their goals,” said Susan Reinhard, PhD, RN, FAAN, senior vice president of the AARP Public Policy Institute and chief strategist at CCNA. “Our hope is that with this support, South Carolina will be even more effective in improving health outcomes for patients, families, and communities.