TCMC provides in-Town opportunity for nursing ed
The hospital affiliated with Jersey College School of Nursing earlier this year to offer a hospital-based six semester nursing program.
“We started Monday, May 1, with 17 students and will be enrolling 30 for the cohort, which begins (Monday) Aug. 28,” said Betty Van Stedum, director of education.
Students will end the program with an associate’s degree in nursing, “providing its graduates with opportunities to become a registered nurse,” a TCMC press release stated.
“With more than 10,000 square feet of classroom and office space, 1,500 square feet in the skills lab, seven classrooms and student-study rooms and lounge space, the Knoxville program combines the teaching experience of a college and the clinical expertise of a hospital,” the release continued. “This hospital-based track offers students the ability to learn the art and science of nursing from within a hospital setting” while experiencing “a seamless transition from classroom theory to clinical application.”
Students spend at least two days in classroom settings, then two days in the lab, which has simulation models, including the Juno, considered among the most advanced, according to program administrative assistant Emily Melendez.
“The Juno model talks, breathes and makes noises to let the students know what to listen for when they are treating actual patients,” she said.
One portion of the lab also has a simulation of a neonatal unit to train ob/gyn nurses and an observation room area.
In addition to the two-year degree, “one of the goals is to have the students take their clinicals in the hospital,” Melendez added. “They could choose to stay with the hospital, or they could really go anywhere.”
“The need for nurses in this market and across the country has been high for some time and is expected to continue,” said Tony Benton, CEO Tennova Healthcare-East Market. “Among other factors driving need, nurses have many employment options. We believe that engaging with well-educated students to share the values, philosophies and practices of Tennova Healthcare will help us care for our communities into the future.”
“Jersey College and Tennova Healthcare Turkey Creek Medical Center worked together for many months to develop a unique nursing education experience,” said Greg Karzhevsky, chancellor of Jersey College. “From our initial meetings, the Tennova Healthcare Turkey Creek Medical Center leadership team has shared our vision for this collaborative model of educating future nurses to care for patients in the Knoxville and Knox County area.”
To learn more or begin the enrollment process, visit jerseycollege.edu/campuses/tennessee/knoxville-tn or call 865-500-3026.
Financial aid is available.
