The United States is currently grappling with a nursing shortage that is impacting healthcare. The shortage is causing a ripple effect, which includes rising healthcare costs, concerns about quality of care, and increases in the demand for and complexity of healthcare.

For more than a decade, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation has been committed to improving educational opportunities for a more diverse and prepared nursing workforce. Last year, it launched a first-of-its-kind nurse education pathway program for military veterans, who undoubtedly possess a unique set of skills and qualities that make them excellent candidates for a career in nursing.

The IBX Foundation Service Scholars Program provides scholarships to help cover tuition and other expenses for student veterans or service members pursuing a degree in nursing.

“Before we even had a foundation, Independence Blue Cross was investing in nursing education, looking for ways to help it evolve and promote a more diverse workforce,” said Heather Major, Executive Director of the IBX Foundation. “A career in nursing aligns well for military veterans — for who they are, what they represent, and what they bring to the table. It offers them the opportunity to use their innate ability to work well in team environments and under pressure while continuing to serve community and country.”

Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing was one of the first colleges to partner on this initiative. The college has deep experience supporting the transition of veterans into highly skilled nurses and facilitating the transformation of military skills into nursing acumen while addressing service members’ and veterans’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

“Nursing is complex and requires that we attract the best and brightest into careers in nursing,” said Marie Ann Marino, Dean of Jefferson College of Nursing and Jefferson Health Vice President of Nursing Academic Partnerships and Innovation. “Veterans and service members are incredible leaders, and their unique skills can greatly benefit the nursing workforce. The IBX Foundation has been an amazing partner — their support enables us to grow education opportunities for student veterans and military-connected students in more substantive ways.”

Major said that the IBX Foundation shares an ethos with Jefferson on many levels.

“Jefferson has it right in the way they’re attracting veterans to a nursing career and retaining them,” she said. “For veterans who want to become a nurse, Jefferson College of Nursing will prepare these students for a career and Jefferson Health will give them a job to start their nursing career. That’s how they will retain a skilled workforce.”

The partnership between the university and health system has been a differentiator for Jefferson, according to Marino, a former reservist in the U.S. Naval Nurse Corps whose son is a West Point graduate and a U.S. Army Officer.

“My team and I place high priority and focus on nursing workforce development,” said Marino. “Through our partnership with Jefferson Health, we support the transition of our students to their first role as a professional nurse. This hand-in-glove approach is mutually beneficial to both our health system partners and our students as they value the many skills veterans and service members leverage into their nursing role.”

As the IBX Foundation Service Scholars Program grows, its impact will continue to be felt in both the veteran and healthcare communities. For the former, the program represents a chance for veterans to continue serving their country in a different capacity. For the latter, it provides a solution to one of the most pressing workforce challenges of our time.

“Now more than ever, healthcare needs nurse leaders,” said Marino. “Veterans are resilient, team-oriented, leader-ready, and adaptable in stressful situations. That’s why service members and veterans make incredible nurses. Jefferson College of Nursing is honored to support service members’ and veterans’ continued journey in service with a nurse education that’s built for them.”

Learn more about how the IBX Foundation works with like-minded organizations to serve the unique and complex needs of communities.