Before I moved to Boise, I had done a lot of research about the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Corp Loan Repayment Program (LRP). In short, to be eligible for this program you need to either work as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) or at an eligible nursing school as faculty (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023). The nurse corp considers a CSF to be any healthcare facility located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023). The definition of an HPSA is an area lacking enough primary care or mental health professionals (Health Resources and Service Administration, 2023). I currently practice as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) which is a specialized APRN.

The mental health population in Boise is considered an underserved area that lacks enough mental health professionals for its population. I just didn’t realize how underserved Boise actually was. These facts were mentioned in every PMHNP interview I accepted in Boise. I told them that if they weren’t registered as a site yet, I would get them registered. Some people even tried to say they didn’t believe they were eligible. I told them they were, because they are. I had done so much research on this program, I knew it like the back of my hand.

This is a huge recruitment tool for PMHNP’s, especially for those who go to expensive or private schools. They will be looking at HRSA’s page for eligible sites to receive loan reimbursement. If you are awarded the HRSA Nurse Corp LRP, you can receive up to 85% of your entire loan amount reimbursed in 3 years (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023).

It is quite labor intensive to even apply for this program and it is even more intensive when the site has not been registered. I not only applied for this program, but I went through every step to get PERMA registered as an active site as well. Not going to lie, hours on the phone with HRSA.

I’m not even sure if I ever announced to Dr. Wills or Tim Hoekstra that I was finally awarded this reimbursement. I was set to receive $4500 a month paid entirely towards my loans. It literally meant financial freedom for me. To this day, I have only received one payment.

Since I updated HRSA about my termination, my status is under review and my loan repayments have been halted.

This is not HRSA’s fault. I would also question any provider’s ability to practice if they were fired immediately.

Also, if you are a PMHNP currently working at a community mental health clinic in Boise and/or surrounding cities, you are likely eligible for this award. If you were overwhelmed by the 38 page HRSA Nurse Corp LRP application guidelines, please hit me up. I’d be happy to help you make your site eligible and help you apply. Checkout the quick facts sheet I’ve uploaded below! Let’s bring all the great psychiatric providers here — clearly Boise is desperate!

Can’t believe I actually had to bring out my APA Manual for this, lol

Reference

Health Resources and Services Administration. (2023, July). Apply to the nurse corp loan repayment program. https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/nurse-corps