Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health are teaming up to enhance the supply and retention of registered nurses in North Carolina.

Through financial support of $15,000 from North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC-AHEC), Methodist University’s Nursing program and Cape Fear Valley Health have started a new project called “Collaborative Clinical Excellence: Transforming Nursing Education with Dedicated Education Units.” The initiative will prepare and train Cape Fear Valley Health nurses, who will be known as clinical instructor partners, to teach various clinical courses to Methodist University Nursing students.

Two Cape Fear Valley Health sites will be home to the program: 1) the Behavioral Health Center for MU’s Psychiatric Mental Health course, and 2) the Cardiac Surgical Step-Down Unit for MU’s Adult Health I and II courses. To date, eight CFVH nurses have been selected to participate in the program – which will provide both training and tools to effectively instruct the courses. Methodist University Nursing students will be paired with clinical instructor partners for weekly clinical experiences. MU faculty will also be onsite for supervision, evaluation and support.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health held a kick-off celebration as both reflected on the impact the program will have in the entire region.

“This project will not only increase job satisfaction and retention among nursing staff at Cape Fear Valley Health, but it will help integrate the Methodist University Nursing program’s graduates into the workforce while ensuring ongoing mentorship and professional development,” said Dr. Shannon Matthews, MU’s chair and director of Nursing, in a press release. “So far, early results show promising improvements in clinical vacancy rates and student engagement at MU.”

The project has been in development since the fall of 2023, started a pilot program this semester and is scheduled to fully launch in the spring of 2025. Both Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health have committed to providing ongoing support to ensure the initiative continues for years to come.

“Cape Fear Valley is thrilled to collaborate with Methodist University in establishing dedicated education units, an innovative model for nursing clinical education,” said Shonda Ray, a patient care manager at Cape Fear Valley Health, in a press release. “This partnership is designed to provide exceptional clinical experiences for future nurses, which we believe will not only attract top talent to our organization but also elevate the quality of patient care.”

Methodist University has graduated more than 230 Nursing students since 2014 and offers five undergraduate and graduate programs: Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-to-BSN Completion Program, Nursing Education Certificate, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership.

Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and will submit its new program substantive change to SACSCOC before Jan. 1, 2025.