The darker portions of the bars shown above indicate the actual funding, as compared to the lighter-shaded bars, which indicated the requested funds. Only a small portion of the submitted projects were considered worthwhile could be funded with the appropriations available.

It is anticipated that those that were funded will result in important contributions to improvements in the recruitment and retention of the nurse workforce. But the need is great and these limited funded projects can only address a portion of the issues facing the country as it seeks to assure quality nursing care through an adequate, qualified, nurse workforce.