Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced a new initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare providers in underserved regions. This program, known as the Nurse Loan Repayment Program (NLRP), seeks to aid in the recruitment and retention of licensed practical and registered nurses by offering a student loan repayment plan.

The program promises up to $300,000 in tax-free financial assistance to selected nurses to alleviate their educational debts. The repayment period extends up to four years for those employed at state psychiatric facilities, while nurses working at other eligible sites can benefit for up to ten years. In total, around $9 million has been allocated for this initiative.

Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, highlighted the critical role nurses play in health care. "Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes," she stated. "Health care facilities across the state are facing nursing shortages, and this loan repayment program will help providers recruit and retain nurses to provide vital care to patients."

The application process involves nurses competing for two-year agreements under the NLRP, with the condition of maintaining a working schedule of at least 40 hours a week for 45 weeks annually. This is applicable for employment at nonprofit practice sites offering nursing services or for full-time nursing roles in public schools and educational institutions.

Employed nurses will need to remain with their sponsoring employers throughout their two-year commitments. Similarly, employers are required to continue their employment of these nurses without utilizing NLRP funds for salary offsets or adjustments in compensation packages.

Interested parties can submit their applications through the official website Michigan.gov/NLRP by the deadline of June 4. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully follow the guidance provided online and begin the necessary process of filling out the Nurse Application Part B form with their student loan servicers without delay.

For more details on the program, individuals can visit the NLRP website and subscribe to updates through GovDelivery.