GU, St. John's College Approve Nursing Education Partnership

Putting pen to paper, Greenville University and St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield made their nursing education partnership official.

Greenville University began working on a partnership with St. John’s College of Nursing in 2019, as prospective student demand for a nursing program increased. GU President Suzanne Davis and St. John’s College of Nursing Chancellor Charlene Aaron made it official by signing the necessary documents and conveying their excitement about the partnership.

Davis indicated that talent generated from the partnership will benefit HSHS hospitals across the I-70 corridor at the southern part of the state. She anticipates GU will become a hub for excellent training for nurses.

In addition to learning theory in the classroom, students on the GU campus will utilize a mobile simulation unit and computerized mannequins that can be programmed to simulate any kind of health conditions.

St. John’s College Chancellor Aaron acknowledges the partnership gives aspiring nurses in rural communities access to great nursing education, “that’s going to allow us to provide nurses to all of the ministry hospitals here at Holy Family Hospital and additionally to the other ministry hospitals in the southern part of the state.”

HSHS Holy Family Hospital President and CEO Kelly Sager also attended the signing, as HSHS is a key part of the program. The hospital will offer scholarships and clinical experience for local students to pursue a degree in nursing. Scholarships are offered through their Viola Thompson Scholarship program. Any person accepted into, or currently enrolled in a health care professional curriculum offering a degree or certification is eligible. Scholarships are up to $1,200 per semester. Once awarded, the student remains eligible for ongoing semester scholarships. More information and the scholarship application can be found at hshs.org/HolyFamily/About-Us/Community-Connection/Viola-Thompson-Scholarship.

Sager says HSHS will offer the clinical aspect of the nursing program. Participants can gain experience in areas ranging from general medical, surgical care, cardiac care, obstetric, wound care, cardiac rehab, home, health and hospice. A simulation laboratory available at Holy Family Hospital in Greenville will feature exam rooms and patient rooms that resemble the real thing.

Chancellor Aaron stated the partnership will give students a four-year path to earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This shortens the nursing school journey for GU students from five years to four years, making the degree more affordable. The BSN portion of the program is currently pending Higher Learning Commission accreditation.