Ivy Tech Partners With Ascension for Nursing Program
(photo courtesy of Ascension)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIvy Tech Community College and Ascension St. Vincent are partnering to implement a competency-based nursing apprenticeship program. The college says the program will allow Ivy Tech nursing students to gain hands-on experience and clinical skills in a range of areas in the hospital while earning income and attending school.
The prelicensure nursing program will be a Registered Apprenticeship with on-the-job learning and related instruction. Ivy Tech says the program was designed in a phased approach, with the third phase allowing students to work in a specific nursing specialty like emergency or critical care.
“We believe one of the greatest opportunities in establishing this program, in addition to growing a dedicated and well-prepared workforce, is to integrate our learners into our care teams on a more intentional basis,” said Cindy Adams, chief nursing officer at Ascension St. Vincent. “This can enable us to approach care delivery in a different, more efficient manner, with all members contributing at the full extent of their skills and licensure. Additionally, this new way of working will enhance opportunities for career growth and development of the entire workforce, and will hardwire our commitment to foster diversity and inclusion.”
Ivy Tech says the program will create a pipeline of skilled graduates who have been trained in Ascension processes and policies, understand the culture and work environment, and have developed relationships with other nursing staff and managers.
“Ivy Tech is proud to partner with Ascension in this proven solution for businesses to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled workers,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann. “By collaborating with Indiana employers, we ensure more Ivy Tech students get the training they need to enter the workforce quickly.”
The program will begin with up to five apprentices per semester and will consist of current Ascension employees and Ivy Tech students. Internal staff in non-nursing roles who wish to enter nursing are also welcome to apply.
The apprenticeship will launch in Indianapolis. Ivy Tech says the partners plan to expand to Evansville and rotate to rural Ascension hospitals throughout the state.