Lipscomb University School of Nursing secures Healthcare Collaborative Grant
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing (LUSON) was recently awarded a $50,000 Healthcare Collaborative grant from the Tennessee Hospital Association in collaboration with Ascension St. Thomas Midtown, a leading healthcare provider in Middle Tennessee.
Chelsia Harris, executive director of the School of Nursing, praised the collaborative effort behind this achievement. "This grant represents a crucial step forward for our institution," said Harris, who specifically acknowledged the dedicated work of Carlie Woodroof, experiential education instructor in Lipscomb’s School of Nursing and Robyn Saakian, director of the Office of Research & Grants, in securing this partnership.
In August 2023, Lipscomb’s School of Nursing and Ascension St. Thomas Midtown formed a Clinical Teaching Partnership (CTP) to address pertinent needs in nursing staffing and education. The purpose of the partnership is to help bridge the nursing workforce shortage by providing Lipscomb nursing students with valuable clinical experiences and professional role immersion, thereby supporting both the educational and staffing needs.
The partnership with Ascension St. Thomas Midtown underscores Lipscomb's commitment to excellence in nursing education and healthcare workforce development.
“We are impressed with the program’s goals and the School of Nursing’s dedication to healthcare workforce development in Tennessee,” said Andrew Burnett, vice president of workforce and rural health at the Tennessee Hospital Association, in the award announcement. “We look forward to working with you and your team as you implement this important initiative. Your work will undoubtedly improve the landscape of the healthcare workforce in your region and beyond.”
Harris explained that funding from the grant will strengthen the school's clinical education programs and further enhance its ability to prepare the next generation of nursing professionals.
“This funding will strengthen our partnership for sustainable growth,” she said. “It provides students with hands-on experience in a dynamic healthcare setting, enhances their clinical and time management skills, and immerses them in the nursing profession early, fostering a strong sense of belonging within a professional team.”
“This grant will allow both Lipscomb and Ascension St. Thomas Midtown the opportunity to work collaboratively on how to sustain this partnership long term, while navigating the ever-changing nature of healthcare,” continued Harris. “This partnership equips the future nursing workforce in a manner it would not have traditionally received.”