Your Stories: Grant Program Aims to Ease Nursing Shortage

University of Hartford DEU students, Clinical Teachers & Clinical Instructor at Saint Mary's Hospital

Trinity Health Of New England and the University of Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) have partnered through the CT Health Horizons Grant Program to promote an immersive clinical experience for their Bachelor of Science nursing students. University of Hartford (UHart) ENHP received funding through the Horizon Grant to make an impact on the statewide workforce shortage in nursing and social work.

Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital, host nursing students from UHart, onsite, by promoting Dedicated Educational Units, with a clinical instructor and front-line direct care nurses that serve as clinical teachers. The Dedicated Educational Units provide immersive clinical experiences that fosters professional development and collegial relationships, and students remain in their respective hospitals for the entirety of their clinical rotations. With the current Connecticut vacancy rate for nursing at 3,500 openings, a priority goal of the Horizon Grant is keeping nursing graduates in the state.

"The CT Horizon Grant at Saint Mary's provides us with the opportunity to grow and learn from some of the best nurses and healthcare professionals. During my little time here, I have learned so much about myself and how take care of patients with safety and dignity,” said Xavier A. Bryant, Student Ambassador, University of Hartford ‘26/ B.S. in Nursing. “The opportunity to stay at Saint Mary's throughout all clinical years will have everlasting impact on how we take care of all our future patients and on our careers as nurses!”

Submitted By: Lisa Roy, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, BCEN, Manager of Nursing Professional Practice and Innovation

Have a story you want to share? Submit your story at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/YourStories