Challenges and Opportunities for Supporting Nursing Students and Rural Communities

Rural communities are more impacted by nursing workforce shortages, making it imperative that all nursing programs, including rural and urban programs, develop strategies and solutions to support the rural nursing workforce.

Faculty shortages, limited clinical placement capacity, and a shortage of preceptors are the most common challenges for nursing programs seeking to expand capacity.

Rural nursing students face additional geographic and financial challenges, and strategies for supporting rural nursing students must extend beyond tuition support.

Financial investments, innovative partnerships, clinical experiences, and train-in-place education models are examples of strategies to address these challenges and support rural nursing education and workforce development.

A major barrier to expanding the rural nursing workforce is limited capacity within nursing programs. Faculty shortages, lack of clinical placements, and limited preceptor availability restrict the number of students who can be trained.

Students in rural areas face significant challenges in accessing nursing education, including long travel distances, limited access to educational opportunities, and high out-of-pocket costs. These barriers reduce access to nursing education in rural America and limit the pipeline of future nurses.

Challenges within health systems also impact workforce development. Rural hospitals and providers often face staffing shortages, limited services, and financial constraints, making it difficult to support training and clinical placements for students.

Students pursuing rural nursing education often face geographic isolation, financial strain, and limited flexibility due to the demands of clinical training. These barriers can make it difficult to complete nursing degrees, particularly for students who want to remain in their home communities.

“Train-in-place” models allow students to complete their education program within their local communities, reducing travel and increasing retention in rural communities.

Examples from the region show how partnerships between institutions can expand access to nursing programs while allowing students to remain in rural areas.

Earn-and-learn models, including apprenticeships, provide students with opportunities to gain experience as a registered nurse while earning income. These models also strengthen workforce retention, as students are more likely to remain in the rural communities where they train.

Expanding financial aid beyond tuition is essential. Students in rural nursing education programs often need support for housing, transportation, and childcare. Targeted investments can improve access to nursing degrees and support long-term workforce growth.