NURSE-OC

Addressing Orange County’s Nursing Shortage

The Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing at the University of California, Irvine has been awarded a transformative $5 million grant from CalOptima Health to launch NURSE-OC, a pivotal program within CalOptima’s larger $50 million Provider Workforce Development Initiative.

NURSE-OC will combat critical healthcare workforce shortages in Orange County by:

  • Supporting 60 final-year prelicensure nursing students (15 students per year) through structured externships.
  • Funding six residencies for newly graduated, doctorally prepared nurse practitioners—including four Family Nurse Practitioners (1 FNP per year) and two Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (1 PMHNP per year beginning 2026).

In return, NURSE-OC Alumni commit to serving in CalOptima-affiliated provider organizations—with externs pledging two years, and nurse practitioner residents committing to one year after the completion of their residency.

This model strengthens the local healthcare pipeline and ensures CalOptima members receive care from well-prepared, compassionate, and community-rooted providers.

The grant represents a significant investment in health equity and workforce diversity, aligning UCI Nursing’s educational excellence with the region’s pressing healthcare needs

RN Externship Highlights

Hands-On Immersion in Real-World Nursing

400 hours of clinical experience in various UCI Health departments, including telemetry, step-down units, oncology, and other specialty areas.

Specialized Curriculum Tailored to CalOptima Populations

Training emphasizes whole-person care and social support strategies essential for serving CalOptima members.

Didactic Training

30 hours of classroom-based instruction covering patient care, evidence-based practices, community health, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration.

Financial and Professional Support

$20,000 stipend per extern, with ongoing mentorship and quarterly check-ins.

FNP Residency Highlights

Full-Scope Primary Care Training

Prepares nurse practitioners to deliver comprehensive, independent primary care across the lifespan in diverse community settings.

High-Intensity Clinical Immersion

Offers depth, breadth, and volume of clinical experience needed to succeed in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Evidence-Based Care Model Alignment

Trains residents in a care model aligned with National Academy of Medicine standards.

Advancing NP Impact and Retention

Builds clinical competence, confidence, and job satisfaction while supporting long-term workforce retention.

Strategic Impact of NURSE-OC

  • Expands the pipeline of highly trained nurses dedicated to serving CalOptima members and underserved populations.
  • Alleviates the regional nursing shortage, focusing on primary care and behavioral health.
  • Improves cultural competence in care delivery.
  • Reduces the financial burden of nursing education through debt relief and employment pathways.
  • Strengthens collaboration between the UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing and CalOptima-affiliated providers.

By tackling workforce shortages and supporting nursing students from training through employment, NURSE-OC is a strategic investment in improving both access and quality of care for CalOptima members and the wider Orange County community.

News and Events

Upcoming Events

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NURSE-OC Life of Program Community Impact

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60

Final year prelicensure RN students working in the Orange County community

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4 Family Nurse Practitioners and 2 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners will be positioned to fill the unmet needs of Orange County’s vulnerable populations

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430 Hours

400 hours of hands-on clinical experience and 30 hours of classroom-based learning

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$20K-30K Stipends

To reduce student debt burden in exchange for working at a CalOptima-affiliated hospital for 2 years in OC after graduation.

More information on NURSE-OC