ABOUT
The West Virginia Center for Nursing (WVCFN) leads strategies to support the education, recruitment, and retention of nurses in West Virginia. We believe in creating long-term solutions that forge a better future for all nursing professions in the state through collaboration with other nursing partners.
HISTORY
The WVCFN was created in May 2005 at the recommendation of the Nursing Shortage Study Commission (Study Commission). The Study Commission found that an organization was needed to figure out solutions to key issues areas affecting nurses. The issue areas included:
- Creating healthy work environments and job satisfaction
- Finding funding for nursing students and continuing education
- Evaluating nursing education programs
- Forming alliances with initiatives that leverage support and funding
The WVCFN was restructured in 2014 by the West Virginia Legislature to focus on nursing scholarships and nursing workforce data. Since the restructuring, the WVCFN is housed within the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Since its creation, the WVCFN has become a hub of activity to support its goals. Through continued innovation, the WVCFN continues to:
- create models like the Junior Nursing Academy and the Nursing Residency Program
- conduct surveys with employers and educators
- gather data on nursing workforce
- administer the Nursing Scholarship Program
- support the recruitment and retention of nurses in West Virginia