CaroMont Health addresses nursing shortage by partnering with Gardner-Webb
A nationwide nursing shortage has led CaroMont Health to a partnership with Gardner-Webb University students in its Hunt School of Nursing.
Under the plan, CaroMont Health will offer senior nursing students at Gardner-Webb University $7,500 in tuition assistance and the opportunity to complete their required practicum hours at the hospital. In return, the students agree to work as a registered nurse for CaroMont Health for two years. This semester, eight Gardner-Webb students are receiving assistance.
“Securing a partnership with CaroMont Health that supports both the educational needs of our students and the workforce needs of Gaston County reinforces the shared commitment both Gardner-Webb University and CaroMont Health have to meeting the needs of our communities,” said Dr. Tracy Arnold, the school's nursing school director. “This partnership addresses the challenges that both higher education and healthcare organizations have in preparing nurses to enter a complex healthcare environment.”
President and CEO of CaroMont Health Chris Peek said the plan will help healthcare in Gaston County and students at the Cleveland County school. “The future of the healthcare workforce depends on innovative career pathways and student-centered education programs,” Peek said. “We are proud to partner with Gardner-Webb University to support students as they finish their education and begin their nursing career at CaroMont Health."
Gardner-Webb’s collaboration with CaroMont is a model of reciprocal investment, said Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs.
“CaroMont is providing much-needed financial support to Gardner-Webb University nursing students in their final year of professional preparation, and in return our graduates will invest their talents back into the community as members of the CaroMont team. That’s a brilliant formula and one that I hope we can replicate many times over with other community partners,” Downs said.
The partnership will also benefit nursing students beyond just financially, Arnold said. “They are advancing their nursing skills with a preceptor who will become their colleague, in a few short months,” she said. “This allows us to help our students stay focused on the end goal of becoming a licensed registered nurse.”
Gardner-Webb nursing student Abbey Horne competed her senior practicum at CaroMont Health’s The Birthplace and will work there when she graduates. “I appreciate this opportunity CaroMont has provided for me and am incredibly grateful for the tuition remission,” she said. “I know this is the best place for me to begin my nursing career and serve our community.”
Ruth Alabi also received tuition assistance from CaroMont and liked being able to choose where she did her practicum. “All of these services and assistance from CaroMonth Health have allowed me to be more focused and less stressed,” she said. “I cannot wait to be part of the care team after passing my board exam.”
CaroMont Health offers the tuition assistance program to all senior nursing students, both in the associate of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing degree programs. Interested students can contact Dr. Janice Hill, director Nursing Workforce Transition Program, at janice.hill@caromonthealth.org for more information.
About Gardner-Webb
Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian university. Gardner-Webb has nine colleges and schools and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors. The college is located on a 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: CaroMont addresses nursing shortage with Gardner-Webb partnership
