Show-Me State Times

Nurse assistants are often regarded as the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry. Their essential yet frequently behind-the-scenes work enables registered nurses (RNs), who possess more advanced training, to focus on tasks that require their specialized skills.

Nurse assistants engage closely with patients by monitoring vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and moving patients within hospital settings. For newcomers to the field, these responsibilities can be daunting. However, when University of Missouri junior Alvira Nishat began her role as an MU Health Care nursing assistant in 2023, she approached the job with confidence.

This confidence stemmed from courses taken at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing.

### Earn while you learn

Nishat, a nursing major, was among 33 students selected for the first cohort of the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) course. This three-hour, semester-long class is part of a grant initiative aimed at:

1. Providing Mizzou students with real-world experience working as nurse assistants.

2. Addressing severe nursing staffing shortages impacting the healthcare industry.

3. Helping students determine if nursing is a career path they wish to pursue.

Students begin the course in the nursing school’s simulation lab to hone their skills and then complete their clinical hours toward certification while being paid by MU Health Care.

The UAP course is taught by Nicole Bartow, a former perinatal nurse at MU Health Care and one of only a few Missourians certified as a healthcare simulation expert.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of college students work between 10-35 hours per week. The UAP program allows Mizzou students to gain experience in their field of interest while building their resumes and addressing workforce shortages simultaneously.

“This program is groundbreaking for the state of Missouri,” Bartow said. “There are large vacancies for both registered nurses and nurse assistants, and having more trained assistants eases the burden on overworked RNs who have been struggling with burnout, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Bartow emphasized that hands-on learning opportunities align with Mizzou's educational philosophy known as the Missouri Method.

“Alvira’s caring nature will make her a fantastic nurse,” Bartow added. “If someone else in class is struggling with something, she will come right alongside them and help them.”

MU Health Care provides clinical care experiences and pays each student to complete required clinical hours for certification. Upon completing coursework and clinical hours, students can sit for an exam to receive a certified nursing assistant certificate.

### A stepping stone to success

Nishat grew up in India and has long aspired to become a nurse; this program reinforced her career choice.

“Thanks to this program, so many doors were opened for me,” Nishat said. “The hands-on learning experiences helped me boost my resume, get into nursing school and learn more about what career path in the nursing industry I want to pursue.”

She noted that beyond aiding nurses and patients within the healthcare sector, it also benefited her educational journey.

“It was very rewarding,” Nishat remarked. “I got a firsthand look at how busy nurses are and helped ensure patients received necessary care.”

In just one year since its inception, Nishat along with her peers from the initial cohort decided to continue working at MU Health Care. Over 125 students applied for participation in its second cohort; this model holds potential for nationwide adoption.

### Just getting started

The three-year grant commenced in fall 2023 and aims to train approximately 300 Mizzou students by its conclusion in 2026.

“The first cohort worked a total of 5,000 hours during fall 2023," stated Shanon Fucik, chief nursing officer of MU Health Care."They significantly supported our frontline teams by augmenting our workforce."

Another group comprising 40 Mizzou students completed training last spring under Bartow's guidance; additional cohorts are currently enrolled this fall.