Strengthening the Rural Nursing Workforce: Transition to Practice as a Statewide Strategy

Hosted by the AONL-AHA Learning Community

Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 11:00 AM CT

Strengthening the Rural Nursing Workforce: Transition to Practice as a Statewide Strategy 

This webinar will highlight the Arizona Transition to Practice Program as a statewide strategy to strengthen nurse transition, retention and workforce capacity in rural and critical access hospitals. The session will explore how structured support for new graduate
nurses and nurses transitioning into new specialties can improve confidence, competence and connection during critical career transitions. Participants will also learn how investing in preceptors, mentors and nurse leaders builds the local infrastructure needed to sustain transition-to-practice models in resource-constrained settings. Dr. Ofafa will share implementation strategies, sustainability considerations and lessons learned that can inform broader efforts to strengthen the rural nursing workforce. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe how statewide transition-to-practice strategies can support nurse retention, specialty transition and workforce capacity in rural and critical access hospitals. 

About the Presenters

Karen Ofafa, EdD, MPH, BSN, RN, Vice President, Workforce and Clinical Excellence, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

Dr. Karen Ofafa, EdD, MPH, BSN, RN, is a healthcare executive, nurse leader and passionate advocate for the nursing profession. As Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Excellence at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, she leads statewide efforts to strengthen and support Arizona’s healthcare workforce. She spearheaded Arizona’s Statewide Transition to Practice Program, helping newly licensed nurses bridge the journey from education to professional practice, particularly in rural and critical access communities. Dr. Ofafa is passionate about advancing equity, empowering nurses and inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose.

The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Learning Community Webinars offer attendees the opportunity to earn up to 1.0 contact hours.
AONL is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number 15740.

By attending a Learning Community Webinar offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership participants may earn up to 1 ACHE Qualifying Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation.