Mary Lanning Healthcare and the UNMC College of Nursing are working together to bring an accelerated nursing program to Hastings.
UNMC students who are part of the accelerated program earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 12 months. Through this new partnership, Accelerated BSN students in the Kearney Division who would like immersive clinical rotations complete their didactic courses at the UNMC Kearney campus while receiving clinical training at Mary Lanning Healthcare. The immersive clinical training gives students a chance to get to know the culture, values and clinical practices at Mary Lanning Healthcare. Because of this, many of these students will be ready to step into a nursing career more quickly at Mary Lanning.
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Eric Barber, Mary Lanning Healthcare President & CEO, said Mary Lanning is happy to partner with the UNMC program and help new nurses get a jump start.
“MLH is always on the lookout to hire amazing talent,” Barber said. “We are pleased to encourage more people to pursue careers in nursing, and hopefully many of them will see the benefits of working at our non-profit, independent hospital. We welcome the opportunity to be a part of this program.”
Nebraska is facing a growing shortage of nurses. In 2020, the state faced a shortage of about 4,100 nurses; by 2025, the Nebraska Center for Nursing estimates shortfalls exceeding 5,400 nurses. This prediction takes into account the 3.8% predicted growth as nurses graduate from nursing programs and enter the workforce.
The unique educational pathway is designed to help students who are passionate about healthcare and want to take the next step in their career as quickly as possible, while being immersed in the clinical environment at MLH.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to fast-track a nursing career and get in-depth clinical experience with Mary Lanning Healthcare,” said UNMC College of Nursing Dean Juliann Sebastian, PhD. “The UNMC College of Nursing is proud to partner with Mary Lanning to make nursing education more accessible and also enhance the BSN pipeline in our state.”
Ken Zeiger, student services director for the UNMC College of Nursing, said the partnership will be beneficial to many.
“This partnership will impact our students’ lives in a positive way by shaping education and career opportunities that also benefit our rural Nebraska communities and provide patients with the best in care.”
Applications for the accelerated program, Clinical Pathway Partnership, are now being accepted, and opportunities for scholarships and housing are available. The first students will begin in 2023.
Applicants must have obtained 58 credit hours of required prerequisites in the sciences and general studies, which may be completed through the applicant’s existing bachelor’s degree.
To learn more and apply, visit the Kearney Accelerated Program online.