FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNANDALE, Va. — Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) nursing program has received $213,180 from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to launch the commonwealth’s Earn to Learn (ETL) Nursing Education Acceleration Program . The ETL program seeks to address Virginia's critical nursing shortage by enhancing clinical education and preparing students to become practice-ready nurses. The VDH grant will provide paid, on-the-job training for 30+ NOVA nursing students.
NOVA is partnering with HCA Healthcare Capital Division, based in Richmond, Va., a long-time clinical affiliate of the college. NOVA nursing students can do their clinical training at HCA Healthcare facilities, including Reston Hospital Center, StoneSprings Hospital Center and Dominion Hospital. Through the ETL Nursing Education Acceleration Program, this collaboration with HCA Healthcare seeks to establish a pipeline for future nursing talent.
The ETL program, initiated by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, addresses the growing need to foster a sustainable nursing workforce for Virginia’s healthcare sector. Recently, Governor Youngkin appointed Dr. Yvette Dorsey to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority board. “We are deeply committed to workforce development, and our partnership with NOVA is a powerful example of how we are leveraging education assistance and training programs to strengthen the healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Dorsey, associate vice president of academic affairs at HCA Healthcare Capital Division.
"The ETL grant will have a meaningful impact on our region and benefit NOVA students and HCA Healthcare alike. This initiative bridges the gap between academic learning and hands-on clinical practice, equipping students to handle real-world challenges effectively,” shared Dr. Shelly Powers, provost of NOVA’s Medical Education Campus.
Dr. Powers continued: “NOVA will collaborate exclusively with HCA Healthcare to develop a dedicated education unit, a clinical teaching-learning model that allows students to work directly with partners at their hospitals. Students will receive focused clinical instruction on the skills needed for success in their nursing careers. This partnership also helps HCA Healthcare build a pipeline of potential employees while giving NOVA nursing students insight into a future employer as they seek jobs upon graduation. It’s a win for all: NOVA, our students and HCA Healthcare.”
“We are excited to partner with NOVA on this important initiative,” said Erin Keister, chief nurse executive for HCA Healthcare Capital Division. “Supporting nurses in their practice with effective clinical education is key to delivering high-quality patient care. We are proud of the resources and education opportunities we provide and are dedicated to training the next generation of nurses.”
The VDH grants were offered to institutions with nursing education programs approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing for pre-licensure registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
MEDIA CONTACT: Kathy Parkinson, NOVA PIO, KParkinson@nvcc.edu
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About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in the commonwealth of Virginia and one of America’s largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 70,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.
About HCA Virginia Health System
As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive provider network, HCA Virginia Health System operates 14 hospitals, 27 outpatient centers, 7 freestanding emergency rooms and 13 urgent care centers and is affiliated with 3,000 physicians. The private hospital system is one of Virginia's largest employers, providing $76.1 million in charity and uncompensated care and paying $228.4 million in taxes annually. HCA Virginia hospitals include Chippenham , Henrico Doctors’ , Johnston-Willis , Parham Doctors’ , Retreat Doctors’ , Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center , TriCities , LewisGale Hospitals , Reston Hospital Center , StoneSprings Hospital Center and Dominion Hospital .