Improving support for Certified Nurse Assistants to reduce workforce shortages
Official title: Revolutionizing Healthcare Workforce Management: A Comprehensive Solution for Licensing Disparities and Workforce Retention in Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs)
Funded at Suma Solutions · NIH-11006978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new online tool to help Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) easily manage their licensing process, making it easier for them to stay in their jobs and support communities with the healthcare they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suma Solutions NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxnard, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,195 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG084390-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients in communities that rely heavily on CNAs for their healthcare needs, particularly those with limited access to qualified healthcare providers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already receiving care from a stable and adequately staffed healthcare workforce may not see direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the critical shortage of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in the U.S. healthcare system by developing a software solution that simplifies the licensing process for these essential workers. The project aims to create an online management system that helps CNAs navigate their licensing requirements more efficiently, thereby reducing turnover and improving workforce retention. By integrating employers into the CNA licensing system, the research seeks to provide better support and resources for CNAs, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that communities have access to qualified healthcare providers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more stable and qualified workforce of CNAs, improving access to care for patients in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown success in similar approaches, indicating that software solutions can effectively help CNAs manage their licensing requirements and improve workforce retention.
Where this research is happening
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Suma Solutions
Oxnard, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wharton, Denice — Suma Solutions
- Study coordinator: Wharton, Denice
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.