Ohana Health Plan's Bold Move to Combat Hawaii's Nursing Shortage

In the lush landscapes of Hawaii, a critical shortage of nurses threatens the well-being of the community, particularly on the west side of Oahu. Enter 'Ohana Health Plan, a leading provider of government-sponsored managed care services, which has taken a bold step to address this pressing issue. The company recently announced a $25,000 contribution to the University of Hawaii Foundation for the 'Ohana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. This investment is part of a broader strategy to bolster the local healthcare workforce and ensure that the community has access to quality care.

The nursing shortage in Hawaii is not a new problem, but it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent healthcare workforce shortages. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030. However, the demand for CNAs in Hawaii was already high before the pandemic, and the public health emergency has only intensified the need for qualified healthcare professionals.

'Ohana Health Plan's $25,000 contribution is a strategic investment in local workforce development. The scholarship program is designed to support students enrolled in the Pre-Nursing Pathway and Partnership Program at UH West Oahu, covering costs such as tuition, books, and fees. Eligible candidates must be full-time undergraduate Hawaii residents enrolled in the Pre-Nursing Pathway, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.

The Pre-Nursing Pathway program at UH West Oahu was established to address the nursing shortage in the state, particularly on the west side of Oahu. The program aims to develop and prepare scholarly leaders from west Oahu who are interested in improving the health and wellness of their community through a career in nursing. Through a unique collaboration with the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing at UH Mānoa, students will enroll in rigorous science courses and engage in hands-on clinical training opportunities in a variety of settings led by highly-skilled professionals.

The scholarship program is more than just financial support for students; it is an investment in the future of healthcare on the west side of Oahu. By empowering aspiring nurses, 'Ohana Health Plan is addressing the critical nursing shortage and strengthening the local workforce. This investment ensures that there will be a steady supply of qualified nurses to meet the growing demand for nursing services in the community.

The impact of these scholarships on addressing the nursing shortage in Hawaii can be measured using several specific metrics and indicators. One of the primary indicators would be the increase in the number of graduates from the Pre-Nursing Pathway program at UH West Oahu. Tracking the number of graduates over the years can provide a clear picture of the program's success in producing more nurses. Additionally, monitoring the employment rates of graduates from the Pre-Nursing Pathway program can indicate how effectively the scholarships are helping to address the nursing shortage. High employment rates among graduates would suggest that the program is successfully preparing students for careers in nursing and that there is a demand for their skills in the local healthcare workforce.



Another important metric is the retention rates of graduates in the nursing profession over time. High retention rates would indicate that the scholarships are not only helping to increase the number of nurses but also ensuring that these nurses remain in the profession, contributing to the healthcare workforce over the long term. Tracking the geographic distribution of graduates is also crucial, as it can help determine if the scholarships are effectively addressing the specific needs of the west side of Oahu. Data on where graduates are employed can provide insights into the program's impact on the local community.

Improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare quality in areas where graduates are employed can serve as indirect indicators of the scholarships' impact. For instance, if healthcare facilities on the west side of Oahu report improved patient satisfaction, reduced wait times, and better health outcomes, it could be attributed to the increased number of qualified nurses in the area. Additionally, tracking community health metrics, such as reduced hospital readmission rates, improved chronic disease management, and increased access to healthcare services, can provide a broader perspective on the impact of the scholarships.

Collecting feedback from healthcare providers and facilities that employ graduates can provide qualitative data on the impact of the scholarships. Positive feedback from employers regarding the preparedness and competence of graduates can validate the effectiveness of the scholarship program. Conducting longitudinal studies to track the career trajectories of scholarship recipients can also provide valuable insights into the long-term impact of the scholarships. Such studies can help identify trends, challenges, and opportunities related to the nursing workforce in Hawaii.

'Ohana Health Plan's investment in the Pre-Nursing Scholarship program at UH West Oahu is a testament to the company's commitment to addressing the nursing shortage in Hawaii. By supporting aspiring nurses and investing in the future of healthcare on the west side of Oahu, 'Ohana Health Plan is ensuring that the community has access to quality care for generations to come. The long-term impact of these scholarships on addressing the nursing shortage in Hawaii can be measured using specific metrics and indicators, providing a comprehensive understanding of the program's success in producing more nurses and strengthening the local healthcare workforce.