State offers grant to help nursing shortage

The nursing shortage in the state has been an ongoing issue. But state leaders have found a way to help. There's a new grant program designed to attract and keep highly qualified nurses.

It's for non-residents who are willing to relocate. To qualify for the program, employers have to find a nurse who is licensed to practice in North Dakota and they have to sign a written agreement to work at least four years in a licensed health care facility.

Under the program, licensed North Dakota health care facilities are eligible to receive up to $4,000 of matching funds for each nurse relocating to North Dakota. Employers are responsible for selecting and hiring the licensed nurse. Nursing students could qualify if they are from out of state.

"If we award each licensed health care facility at the cap of $4,000 that would only be 125 facilities so our goal is to get all 125 facilities funded within the first round of funding," said Kerri Kraft, program manager for the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

To find the application, go to the website www.workforce.nd.gov/NNERP. Applications are due Dec. 1.

Kraft says the focus of the program is to assist in incentivizing the healthcare industry and helping the state nursing shortage.