Marymount and VHC Health cement enhanced partnership to advance nursing education and practice

Marymount University's Malek School of Nursing Professions and VHC Health, a national leader in the professional practice of nursing, have agreed to a transformative partnership aiming to advance nursing education, research and practice while significantly impacting the nursing workforce and patient care in Northern Virginia and beyond. The agreement is supported by a pledge of $318,000 from the Caruthers family for scholarship funding to the VHC Health Foundation.

"Marymount is known as Arlington's University, and VHC Health is known as the region's preferred community health system. We are neighbors serving the same communities and share a mission of ensuring this region has the nursing workforce it needs to support health and wellness," explained Dr. Andrew Wolf, Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Marymount University's Malek School of Nursing Professions. "Our country faces a critical shortage of nurses, and we are both invested in addressing this challenge here in Arlington by partnering in workforce initiatives to develop the next generation of nurses."

"Marymount nurses are always very professional and poised, and the University's clinical instructors and faculty are second to none. We are proud to be the community hospital for Marymount," said Dr. Melody Dickerson, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations & Chief Nursing Officer at VHC Health. "Our organizations have worked together to create many great clinical experiences for Marymount students. VHC Health has a culture and environment that is very welcoming and different than what you'll find at other institutions."

This partnership is designed to ensure a continuous supply of qualified nursing personnel that will improve patient health outcomes and advance the professional practice of nursing. It will accomplish this through several key initiatives that reflect a commitment to creating a collaborative learning environment that enhances nursing programming and student engagement.

One primary goal is developing and implementing a nursing research pathway, integrating Marymount's translational research and scholarship into VHC Health's nursing practice. This initiative strives to improve patient outcomes by leveraging research to inform evidence-based practices.

To address the nursing shortage, the partnership will also focus on increasing recruitment and hiring of Marymount Nursing graduates at VHC Health. This will be achieved through targeted recruitment events and collaborative programs such as 'Earn While You Learn,' which accelerates practice readiness for Nursing students.

Career advancement for VHC Health staff is another critical component of this collaboration. The partnership will encourage VHC Health nurses to enroll in Marymount's Nursing programs, which are supported by tuition assistance and scholarships. Joint recruitment strategies will further bolster this initiative, providing clear pathways for career growth.

Leadership collaboration is also a cornerstone of this partnership. Key leaders from both institutions will hold joint faculty appointments, ensuring their active participation in nursing practice and leadership committees. This cross-institutional involvement will facilitate the continuous improvement of nursing program development and workforce strategies.

Continuing education programs will also be developed to address the professional development needs of nurses at both institutions. These programs will focus on the latest advancements in nursing care, ensuring nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care.

Additionally, the partnership aims to identify opportunities for joint funding to sustain nursing education and workforce development. To ensure the long-term success and impact of the partnership, this collaborative fundraising effort seeks to generate future donations similar to the generous support from the Caruthers family.

The late Preston Caruthers was a longtime supporter of both Marymount and VHC Health, establishing the Friends of Nursing program in 1989 to recognize nursing excellence and provide scholarships for numerous Marymount students. In 2018, the Caruthers family again invested in the health care workforce by providing $400,000 in scholarships for Marymount Nursing students through the VHC Health Foundation.

Since the partnership's inception, Marymount and VHC Health have already achieved notable milestones. This includes the launch of a new joint-led research pathway for bedside nurses, expansion of clinical placement opportunities, initiation of joint faculty appointments for VHC Health nurses and establishing collaborative recruiting processes that transition Marymount graduates into VHC Health's nurse residency programs.

VHC Health is designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet hospital, indicating it's one of the top hospitals in the nation for nurses to work with outstanding patient outcomes. It's the only hospital in Northern Virginia with an accredited nurse residency program, which allows newly graduated nurses to receive mentoring and on-the-job training after school to enhance entry into practice, leading to improved patient care outcomes and support for new nurses to launch successful careers.

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