New River Community College has been awarded a grant of more than $358,000 to support student nurses at NRCC.
The Earn to Learn Nursing Education Acceleration Program grant was awarded to NRCC by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Health Equity to address critical workforce shortages for nurses across the Commonwealth. NRCC’s award was part of a larger $4.5 million grant program that will provide funds to 13 two- and four-year colleges and universities in Virginia.
According to VDH, the program will establish a contract with nursing academic/clinical partnerships to transform nurse clinical education and accelerate the development of practice-ready nurse graduates.
“Students who work in positions related to their field of study can build professional networks and gain insight into industry expectations. This hands-on experience not only enhances the students’ resumes but also gives them the confidence to succeed in their careers after graduation,” said Helen Wolfe, NRCC dean of health professions. “Many students face financial challenges because nursing school is demanding, and they struggle to work while maintaining good grades. The grant money will cover or reimburse clinical partners and the students.”
Students in this apprenticeship model program will earn a stipend while they complete their nursing education in the classroom and in clinical settings.
Program goals include increasing the number of Virginia nursing students, creating employment opportunities for nursing students to ensure future job security, and producing more registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in Virginia.
Clinical partners for the program include Carilion Clinic, HCA Healthcare, and Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center.
“Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Carilion Giles Community Hospital are excited to partner with New River Community College for The Earn to Learn Nursing Education Acceleration Program. This collaboration is built on our shared commitment to increase the number of Virginia nursing students as well as creating employment opportunities for Carilion Clinic. We are confident that our joint efforts will maximize the impact of the grant funding and generate long-term benefits for our community. Together we are committed to leveraging our combined expertise, resources, and networks to ensure program success,” said Kristi Hall, senior director of nursing at Carilion Clinic.
“We are honored to be recognized as a clinical partner of choice for the Earn to Learn Grant and appreciate the ongoing commitment to advancing innovation in nursing education,” said Erin Keister, chief nurse executive, HCA Healthcare Capital Division. “This partnership lets us work closely with academic institutions, fostering creativity and excellence in nursing training. By investing in the future of nursing, we’re helping to build a stronger healthcare workforce that will benefit all of Virginia and the communities that trust HCA Healthcare for their care.”
New River Community College
