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In 2001 the John A. Hartford Foundation awarded
AACN $2 million for this project. Twenty-three
schools were selected to participate, and they in turn
provided scholarships to 150 APN students. In 2005, the Foundation
refunded Creating Careers with an additional $1.8 million.
AACN selected nineteen schools to participate in this second cohort, and so far 74 students
have been recruited.
The Creating Careers grant provides funds
to schools of nursing, which in turn award scholarships to
exemplary students who have demonstrated leadership potential
and dedication to caring for older adults. The grant not only
eliminates financial barriers to education but also encourages
networking, mentorship, role modeling, and leadership skill
development.
In an effort to provide quality care for our
rapidly aging population, the Creating Careers project aims
to increase the number of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)
with training in gerontology, who are uniquely prepared to
provide comprehensive, up-to-date care and ultimately improve
care for older adults. In addition, it aims to spark the development
of a broader range of career opportunities in geriatric nursing,
a necessary step toward improving the field's appeal as an
attractive and dynamic career option.
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