WVU Medicine starts school to supply bedside nurses

WVU Medicine in Morgantown, W.V., will open a hospital-based nursing school in August 2025 to ensure a steady supply of bedside nurses for its 24 hospitals. The school will provide a free, two-year diploma program in a state-of-the-art facility for 24 students, who will receive computers, books and uniforms; 620 people have applied to date. WVU Medicine will screen prospective students to ensure they demonstrate caring attributes and want to work long term in a med-surg environment. Once the school demonstrates outcomes, it plans to seek the state board of nursing’s permission to expand, says AONL member and WVU Medicine CNE Melanie Heuston, DNP, RN. The school has signed memorandums of understanding with nearby schools and West Virginia University to give graduates a bridge to a bachelor’s degree. (HealthLeaders Media article, 10/21/24)