Grant Funding for Nursing Education:  Investing in Technology like VR

Securing funding for technology in your nursing program can be a formidable task, especially when you already have numerous responsibilities as a nurse educator. However, we at UbiSim, an immersive virtual reality platform built by nurses for nurses, are here to streamline this process by providing valuable resources and expert tips on funding technology in your nursing program.

Grant opportunities for nursing education technology

A crucial avenue for acquiring funding for technology in nursing programs is through various grant opportunities. Both governmental and private organizations offer grants explicitly designed to support advancements in nursing education technology. 

Nursing educators and program administrators should proactively search for grant programs that align with their goals. Here are some helpful examples:

Healthcare Simulation Organization Grants

1. INACSL Debra Spunt Research Grant

This grant focuses on funding research related to nursing simulation, specifically advancements in healthcare simulation science. INACSL encourages novice researchers, giving priority to first-time applicants. An INACSL member must submit proposals.

2. National League for Nursing Grants Program

This program backs high-quality research projects that contribute to the development of nursing education. NLN-funded grants cover a diverse range of research topics and support investigators who employ rigorous and innovative approaches to advance the field of nursing education research. The principal investigator must be a current NLN member. 

3. Sigma/Joan K. Stout, RN, Research Grant

Sponsored by Sigma and the Council on Advancement of Nursing Science, this grant promotes evidence-based research concerning the impact of simulation education in nursing schools and clinical settings. Projects should aim to enhance nurse-led simulation in academia or clinical practice, potentially leading to additional funding and ongoing research. The principal investigator must be a registered nurse with at least a master’s degree in nursing.

4. INSPIRE Research Awards

These awards come in two categories. The INSPIRE Research Award seeks simulation-based projects with the potential to positively impact healthcare delivery and outcomes. Likewise, the INSPIRE Novice Research Award focuses on innovative healthcare simulation, welcoming novice investigators.

5. SSH Novice Research Grant Program 

This program aims to support the development of new research initiatives, particularly those with the potential to make a positive impact on healthcare simulation. Research awards of up to $10,000 are available. Novice researchers are encouraged to apply.

Other Support for Healthcare Education

1. Josiah H. Macy Foundation  

This foundation invests in educational projects that enhance health by advancing the education and training of future health professionals. Two types of grants are available: Board Grants, selected from rolling applications three times a year, and President’s Grants, awarded as needed and lasting for one year or less.

2. The ZOLL Foundation 

Focused on resuscitation and acute critical care research, the ZOLL Foundation collaborates with novice investigators. They seek projects that blend educational activities with measurement to improve care and explore new therapies or techniques.

Government Grant

1. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

AHRQ is a US federal agency that provides  for medical colleges to apply for grants. Once approved, institutions can implement desired technology tools, including VR simulations, in their programs.

Places to research grants

1. Ex Libris Pivot-RP

Pivot-RP accelerates the research process by providing access to the most comprehensive global source of research funding opportunities, facilitating collaborator discovery, and offering insights and shortcuts to help research organizations win a larger share of available funding. 

2. Grants.gov

Grants.gov offers a free platform to search for US federal funding opportunities for organizations and entities whose work supports the development and management of government-funded programs and projects.

Additional Avenues for Funding

‍In addition to grant opportunities, faculty may have access to additional avenues for funding new technologies. Within your community, there may be opportunities to create innovative partnerships with other programs, schools, hospitals, or clinical agencies to share equipment and resources. Within your reach, there may be local donors, philanthropists, and/or alumni who have a vested interest in your organization and a desire to make an impact in the local community by supporting the integration of technology in nursing education.

Grant Application Writing Tips

Writing successful grant applications often requires a unique set of skills. Researchers, especially those new to grant writing, may find that their academic writing style needs adjustment to craft a winning proposal. Here are some quick tips to enhance your grant application writing:

Quick tips from a research paper on grant writing vs. academic writing: 

• Make sentences shorter, with key phrases underlined or bolded to make them stand out
• Print lists bullet-style
• Offer graphs, tables, and drawings if possible
• Make the writing energetic, direct, and concise
• Make subject matter easy to understand with fewer highly technical terms

Building Buy-In from Key Stakeholders

Securing support from administrators, faculty, and students is vital. Administrators focus on ROI, considering costs (technology, operations, training) and benefits (error reduction, competence speed-up, patient safety, engagement, satisfaction, and attracting students). Emphasize how technology complements existing tools.

Platforms with a peer-to-peer learning model, such as UbiSim immersive virtual reality, accommodate more students with fewer faculty resources. 

Conclusion

By following these tips and exploring the various funding avenues mentioned above, you can increase your chances of securing the necessary resources to integrate technology effectively into your nursing program in 2024.