Historically Black Fort Valley State University and Phoebe Putney Health System, Inc. have announced an educational partnership to launch a new bachelor’s degree program in nursing that aims to address the critical need for nurses in rural Georgia.
Under the new agreement, the university’s nursing students will have access to clinical rotations at Phoebe facilities. Additionally, both nursing students and instructors will gain training opportunities at the Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center located at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. The agreement also includes the development of a Phoebe Scholar initiative that will provide students comprehensive support from the start of the program through graduation. This will include obtaining a nursing license and employment through Phoebe for eligible students who live within proximity to a Phoebe hospital.
The partnership will include initiatives designed to attract and recruit both rural and male students into the nursing program. Phoebe Putney health will provide subject matter experts to assist with the emersion of professional workforce development into the FVSU program curriculum including regulatory compliance, professionalism, quality, safety, patient experience. and other practical skills that are essential for successful nursing.
“The shared mission of FVSU and Phoebe to create healthier communities makes this collaboration an important effort,” said FVSU President Paul Jones. “This partnership will create transformative and life-changing experiences by supporting the workforce development needs of healthcare providers in regions throughout our state that need it most. We are grateful to Phoebe for their investment in our students, and we are especially excited to create a pipeline of nurses for the Georgia workforce.”
