Responding to the growing need for nurses as a result of the national nursing shortage, Research College of Nursing (RCoN) and HCA Midwest Health celebrate a renewed partnership in educating nurse leaders and caregivers. This relationship between the Kansas City-based, fully-accredited institution for nursing students and the area’s leading healthcare provider supports the region with a larger talent pool of baccalaureate and master’s prepared nurses, while also allowing students access to premier clinical experiences.
“We are eager to strengthen this partnership between RCoN and HCA Midwest Health to further align the needs of nursing students with healthcare organizations and the communities we serve,” says Dr. Troy Trosclair, DNS, RN, HCA Midwest Health Chief Nurse Executive.
Plans to expand academic programs offered at RCoN are underway as HCA Midwest Health prepares for the rising demand of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and executive nurse leaders. Additional initiatives under this strengthened relationship include:
- Enhancing scholarships for nursing students;
- Increasing dedicated nursing education units across KC metro-area healthcare facilities; and
- Drawing students and clinical expertise from the (inter)national HCA Healthcare organization.
“Our vision is to transform healthcare through heroic leadership,” says Dr. Thad Wilson, president of RCoN. “We will provide nursing students with advanced access to dynamic hospital settings, allowing them to gain the skills and confidence to thrive in a complex healthcare environment. As we build upon our relationship with HCA Midwest Health, students can expect a continued commitment to their success that extends beyond their academic studies.”
HCA Midwest Health employs 62 percent of recent RCoN graduates and is home to one of the world’s largest international communities of nurses, including more than 83,000 nursing professionals throughout the U.S. and the U.K. Additionally, HCA Midwest Health provides scholarships and tuition discounts to more than 250 RCoN nursing students.
“It’s a privilege to partner with a college that holds a 110-year legacy of excellence in nursing education,” Dr. Trosclair says. “Together we strive to continuously provide compassionate, safe and connected care, which is truly the heart and soul of nursing.”
