Ascension St. Vincent’s and Jacksonville University have announced a new strategic partnership that will provide students in the university’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program the unique opportunity to complete their education at Jacksonville University and all four St. Vincent’s hospitals.
The program will accept up to 40 students and welcomed its inaugural class in January. Students will be educated in a fully immersive simulation center at Jacksonville University, with units designed to replicate a hospital room and best-in-class classroom space. Students will also spend clinical time at each of St. Vincent’s four area hospitals.
“We are blessed to be able to nurture the growth of the next generation of nurses in Northeast Florida,” said Scott Kashman, president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Riverside. “This partnership with Jacksonville University will ensure these students have access to a premier education with state-of-the-art equipment with a focus on those in our community who need care.”
The partnership will include a scholarship program and financial investment to support students’ career aspirations. St. Vincent’s is investing $160,000 to fund student scholarships for 16 students, which will be matched by the State of Florida through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. St. Vincent’s is also contributing $250,000 to develop simulation space on the university’s campus.
“As we expand our highly successful ABSN programs, we are proud to partner with Ascension St. Vincent’s, a health care institution synonymous with serving the Jacksonville community for more than 100 years,” said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost. “The need for quality nurses persists, not only in Florida, but nationwide. Together, alongside a health care provider with a mission to help and serve others, we will continue to empower and educate future nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact.”
This initiative will serve as the foundation for a long-term commitment to the communities across Northeast Florida by preparing the next generation of nurses and maintaining a pipeline of local talent ready to care for the community.
For more information, go to Ascension St. Vincent’s website and Jacksonville University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing page.
