There could be more health professionals working in rural or underserved areas if an Upstate medical University program works out. The idea, according to nursing professor Sherri McMullen, is to place students in a community on a long term basis. In this case, nursing students will be working with the ConnextCare medical group in Oswego County.
"They’ll be going to this particular office and maybe several offices in the ConnextCare area, so they’ll feel comfortable, understand the workflow, and the expectations of a nurse practitioner in a rural community," said McMullen.
And things are different healthcare-wise in a more rural area.
"Not everybody has internet access. There’s no public transportation. It’s a different environment than an urban area," she said.
A looming medical professional shortage has greater impact on rural and underserved communities. So the four-year, $2.7 million grant will target potential students from these areas.
Beyond a more immersive experience, these students will be able to apply for $22,000 scholarships during the last year of nursing studies. The grant will also establish a primary care clinic for the underserved populations in the city of Syracuse.
