Pine Rest Academy for Nursing Students
Healthcare Industry
Skilled Nursing
Organizations Involved
Pine Rest, Davenport University, Cornerstone University, Montcalm CC, Ferris State, GVSU, Grand Rapids CC, Calvin University, Hope College, MSU, University of Detroit Mercy
Occupations Involved
Nurses, general; Other technicians and technologists
Workforce Development Focus
Increasing number of healthcare workers AND improving the quality of healthcare workforce
Workforce Issues Addressed
Attracting individuals who have not yet entered the workforce / labor force to work in a healthcare profession; Addresses a barrier to going into a healthcare profession
Description
The Pine Rest Academy for Nursing Students is an initiative by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids to increase the number of psychiatric nurse technicians working in their facilities. Nursing students who participate in Pine Rest Academy receive up to $10,000 in tuition assistance per semester for four semesters toward a nursing degree program (up to $40,000 total). In return, the nursing students agree to work at Pine Rest during nursing school and for 2 years after being licensed. During nursing school, students only work 4 shifts every 6 weeks. Participants must be accepted into a nursing program at one of 10 Michigan universities. Current psych techs working at Pine Rest can also participate in the program.