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August 17, 2004

Boise State Nursing Receives $730,800 Grant for Cultural Education

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Note to editors: With Idaho increasing in cultural diversity (Hispanics, Bosnians, etc.), this would make an interesting local angle on a national issue � overcoming cultural disparity in health care. Boise State University has been awarded a $730,800 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant to help Idaho nurses overcome cultural barriers that prevent people from receiving the health-care services they need. The three-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant has been awarded to the Department of Nursing at Boise State to develop a statewide cultural competency program for nurses and nursing students. Through Greater Awareness for Idaho Nurses (GAIN), a cultural competency continuing education course will be developed for registered nurses across the state of Idaho and a college course will be developed for student nurses. Nurses who are culturally competent are able to relate better to their clients and to teach more effectively. By understanding barriers, living conditions and family relationships, nurses are better equipped to help their clients make life changes to improve health. All Idahoans receiving health care will benefit from culturally competent nurses. All of the nursing schools in Idaho will be involved in planning and implementing the project, allowing for outreach to nurses in rural and isolated areas of the state. Boise State�s Department of Nursing chair, Pam Springer, RN, Ph.D, will serve as project director, and nursing professor Marni Allen, RN, MS, FNP, will develop and coordinate the courses. Nurses and students will learn about cultural competency, connect with peers across the state via live videoconferencing, and be able to practice their new skills in clinical settings. Idaho has a growing diverse population. In addition to increasingly diverse ethnic groups, other cultural influences include rural communities, poverty and religious groups. Health-care barriers are greater for minority groups. The GAIN program seeks to reduce cultural barriers for Idahoans by educating nurses. If you are a registered nurse who is interested in participating in the continuing education course, or a community member who would like to be involved with the GAIN program steering committee, please contact Allen at marniallen@boisestate.edu or 208-426-2179. -30- Contact Department of Nursing 208 426-2179 marniallen@boisestate.edu  Pam Springer Department of Nursing 208 426-3600 pspring@boisestate.edu  Media contact Pat Pyke Boise State communications and marketing 208 426-1987 ppyke@boisestate.edu

Last reviewed on Thursday, July 21, 2005