10000strong

10000strong is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with the mission of increasing the number of nurses in the United States by recruiting, preparing, and retaining 10,000 new nurses by 2020. The initiative was launched in response to a growing nursing shortage, driven by factors such as an aging healthcare workforce, increased demand for healthcare services, and a limited number of nursing school graduates to fill available positions. The program was originally conceived by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and later expanded through partnerships with other healthcare organizations, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The program operates through a network of nursing schools across the country, offering financial support, mentorship, and academic resources to prospective and current nursing students. Key components of 10000strong include scholarships, loan repayment assistance, and career development opportunities. The initiative also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, aiming to attract students from underrepresented backgrounds to address disparities in the nursing profession. By 2015, the program had already surpassed its initial goal, helping to recruit and train over 10,000 new nurses.

In addition to its direct support for students, 10000strong has influenced broader policy and practice changes in nursing education. The program has advocated for increased funding for nursing schools, expanded clinical training opportunities, and improved retention strategies for new nurses. Its success has also inspired similar initiatives in other countries facing nursing shortages.

While the original target of 10,000 nurses was met ahead of schedule, the organization continues to operate under a broader mission of strengthening the nursing workforce. It has since evolved into a more sustainable model, focusing on long-term solutions to the nursing shortage through advocacy, research, and ongoing support for nursing education. The initiative remains a collaborative effort involving academic institutions, healthcare systems, and government agencies to ensure a well-prepared and diverse nursing workforce for the future.