NJ S1909

Creates a two-year pilot program through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to recruit, train, and retain healthcare professionals at three New Jersey veterans memorial homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland

Appropriates $370,000 total: $250,000 for education cost reimbursements (tuition capped at approximately $7,500 per semester) for employees pursuing nursing degrees or healthcare certifications, and $120,000 for recruitment bonuses

Provides signing bonuses up to $6,000 per registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, paid in equal installments over two years, with a minimum of six nurses to be recruited across the three facilities

Requires scholarship recipients to work at a veterans memorial home for at least two years after completing their education, with a sliding repayment scale (100% to 25%) for those who leave early

Mandates specialized training programs covering infection control, geriatric care, PTSD management, and trauma-informed care for veterans