The initiative seeks to enhance the quality and availability of healthcare in Muskegon, Michigan by creating a talent pipeline of nurses with bachelor degrees to work in the Trinity Health system.
Muskegon Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Trinity Health have partnered on an initiative to enhance healthcare in the region by creating a pipeline of well prepared nurses with bachelor degrees to work at Trinity Health facilities throughout the area.
According to an article on Muskegon Community College’s website, Lisa Gatti-Arnold, who is the Dean of Nursing and Health Programs at Muskegon Community College, was quoted as saying, “Muskegon Community College is proud to partner with Grand Valley State University to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals. Together, we are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of nurses who will provide essential care to our community at Trinity Health.”
Through the partnership, students who earn an associate degree in nursing from Muskegon Community College will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor degree in nursing from Grand Valley State University, while remaining on campus at Muskegon Community College. The idea is that students who live in and attend school in Muskegon County can continue doing so instead of leaving to further their education elsewhere, and then be available to work at Trinity Health in Muskegon.
Linda Dunmore, who serves as the Chief Nursing Officer of Trinity Health, is looking forward to the impact this partnership will have on healthcare in the area. Dunmore is quoted as saying, “This partnership is another example of Trinity Health’s commitment of first-rate health care to Muskegon County. Our organization looks forward to collaborating with these two great institutions and ensuring the success of the students.”
Speaking of the further benefits of having a pipeline of bachelor-prepared nurses, Linda Lewandowski, the dean of Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing, explained, ”There is increasing evidence that increasing the proportion of bachelor’s-prepared nurses leads to better patient outcomes and shorter lengths of hospital stays. We are so pleased to partner with MCC and Trinity Health Muskegon to continue to improve the health and well-being of our community through this program.”
For more information about Muskegon Community College, visit the school’s website.
More information about Grand Valley State University can be found on the school’s website.