Students selected for the Pathway Program commit to work as registered nurses at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs for two years upon completion of their respective coursework and licensure. The hospital provides a financial aid package that covers the cost of tuition and fees for qualified applicants for four semesters, up to $5,000.
According to a news release, the Pathway Program was part of a partnership announced in September 2017 with the goal of training additional nurses to fill the shortage in the hospital's pipeline. CHI St. Vincent committed to a three-year total investment of $1.6 million to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in NPC's registered nursing program and Henderson State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. In addition, CHI St. Vincent provided financial support to equip a state-of-the-art clinical simulation lab at NPC.
Janice Ivers, dean of nursing and health sciences, said the partnership with CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has been outstanding.
"It's an awesome thing because CHI is investing in their education so what better way to show them an appreciation for that as far as I'm concerned as the dean of nursing than to give them our quality, top-notch students to work at their facility," she said. "It's a win-win because they'll go out and they'll be proud that they work at CHI and they'll be proud that they got their education at National Park College."
Trenthem said the feeling has been mutual.
"We've had great graduates come out of National Park that have come to our hospital in the past, and they are prepared, ready to go, and Janice has been such a good partner for us from way back," she said. "We're excited to have this cohort come up and the number is great. We're excited to have this many."
