During a recent government meeting, representatives from New England College and Concord Hospital presented an innovative nursing education partnership aimed at addressing the ongoing nursing shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Angela McPhee Smith, Dean of Nursing and Health Professions at New England College, outlined the program's unique \"earn as you learn\" model, which allows nursing students to work as Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) while earning academic credit.

The program, initiated in 2021, was developed following a listening tour of New Hampshire hospitals that revealed significant staffing shortages. Students in the program spend 30% of their education immersed in clinical settings, working closely with registered nurses and receiving on-site support from clinical faculty. This approach not only provides students with practical experience but also helps hospitals fill critical staffing gaps.

Emily Higgins, an academic practice partner at Concord Hospital, shared positive outcomes from the first cohort of students, including a reduction in LNA staffing vacancy rates from 20.8 to 5.8 full-time equivalents. Additionally, 71% of students continued to work per diem during their academic semesters, contributing to the hospital's workforce.

The partnership emphasizes long-term immersion in a single hospital environment, allowing students to build familiarity and confidence over three years, which contrasts with traditional models that require students to rotate through multiple facilities. This continuity is expected to enhance retention rates among new nurses, addressing a significant concern in the profession where nearly 37% of nurses leave within their first year.

The meeting also highlighted the potential for expanding this cooperative education model to other nursing programs across New Hampshire, with hopes of creating a statewide initiative to combat the nursing shortage. Representatives discussed the importance of legislative support for funding and scholarships to further develop and sustain such programs.

Overall, the collaborative effort between New England College and Concord Hospital represents a proactive approach to nursing education, aiming to produce well-prepared graduates ready to meet the demands of the healthcare system while fostering a supportive learning environment.