Rural Kansas hospitals and providers that offer obstetrical services must build and maintain the skills necessary so that Kansas women can access maternity care. That's where the KU School of Nursing's ANEW grant can help

This grant strengthens academic-clinical partnerships by delivering on-site, on-demand clinical training tailored to partner needs. This year, the program provided maternal-child health training to clinical teams at Rice County Community Hospital and Morris County Hospital, which are both located in rural, Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)-designated communities. These hospitals serve areas where access to specialized training and resources is limited, making on-site education critical to supporting the local workforce and improving patient outcomes.

Two Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students led these training efforts. Kamara Allen, WHNP, who works in high-risk obstetric triage at a large, urban Level I trauma center, brought more than 25 years of obstetric experience to the sessions as she continues her doctoral studies. She was joined by Jordan Hulsey, BEN, RN, RNC-NIC, a NICU nurse with over eight years of experience and a family nurse practitioner student in the DNP program at KU.

During the trainings, participating nurses engaged in simulated obstetric scenarios, including:

• roles in challenging deliveries
• monitoring preeclampsia
• managing shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage
• neonatal resuscitation refresher exercises
• care considerations for maternal substance use
• newborn follow-up

Nurses engaged in many simulated obstetric scenarios to better help their patients.

These hands-on simulations were designed to enhance clinical knowledge, strengthen technical skills and build confidence in managing high-risk maternal and neonatal situations.

Through initiatives like ANEW, KU School of Nursing continues to support Kansas nurses and communities by delivering high-quality, practice-focused education that directly benefits healthcare partners and the communities they serve.

This ANEW: Grow and Stay project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2.58 million, with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The ANEW: Grow and Stay project period runs from 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2027. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.