Career-Advancing Rural Excellence (CARE) for Nurses
About CARE for Nurses
Career-Advancing Rural Excellence (CARE) for Nurses is a collaborative workforce initiative connecting nursing education, clinical practice, and rural communities. CARE for Nurses supports LPNs and RNs pursuing their BSN through financial assistance, mentorship, and coordinated resources designed to strengthen nursing retention in rural Michigan.
Program expectations
Participating nurses commit to five years of rural service. Time spent enrolled in a BSN program may count
toward the commitment when the nurse continues practicing in a qualifying rural setting, subject to program policies.
Who can participate?
-
Nursing students: Eligible LPNs and RNs enrolled in participating BSN pathways at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Northern Michigan University (NMU).
-
Faculty mentors: Nursing faculty employed by LSSU School of Nursing or NMU School of Nursing.
-
Clinical preceptors: Qualified BSN-prepared nurses supporting eligible clinical learning assignments.
-
Healthcare employers: Rural healthcare organizations interested in recruitment, preceptor support, and nursing advancement.
Financial Support Opportunities
Amounts are anticipated maximums and depend on eligibility, participation, enrollment or assignment, available funding, and final approval. Stipends are not guaranteed.
BSN STUDENTS
Up to $11,000
per year | eligible full-time students
Financial stipends and academic progression incentives for BSN completion. Part-time students may qualify under a separate payment structure.
FACULTY MENTORS
Up to $5,000
per academic year
Stipends for eligible nursing faculty at participating academic institutions who provide individualized mentorship.
CLINICAL PRECEPTORS
Up to $4,000
per year
Stipends for eligible clinical preceptors supporting approved trainee placements in rural or clinical settings.
Interest & Partnership Inquiry
Submitting this form expresses interest only and is not an application for funding or participation.
Our Growing Network of Partners
.png)
.png){kind=logo}
%20(1)%20(1).png)
