FSCJ Nursing Program Forms Training Partnership with Mayo Clinic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) Nursing Program and Mayo Clinic are creating a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) that will train students working toward an Associate in Science in Nursing. The degree will prepare students to enter the workforce or continue their education.

The DEU came to be through a collaboration between administrators and educators from FSCJ and Mayo Clinic, as well as clinical staff located in Jacksonville and Rochester, Minnesota. Six experienced registered nurses will serve as clinical nurse teachers (CNTs), working with students to advance their skills and knowledge for future employment.

“This training collaboration will provide development opportunities for our experienced nurses to teach and to build the skills of future nurses,” says Mayo Clinic in Florida’s Chief Nursing Officer Tera Gross.

“We are excited for this training partnership with Mayo Clinic and what it means, not only for the future of our students but also for the nursing profession,” says College President Dr. John Avendano. “As the community’s college, we are continually seeking ways to support local workforce needs. We know this partnership will make a tremendous difference, generating skilled nursing professionals who are driven to provide lifesaving patient care.”

During this inaugural cohort in spring 2023, 16 students will participate in the DEU at Mayo Clinic, working in the Medical/Surgical Unit that also cares for patients with neurologic and orthopedic conditions. Students are following the schedule of a CNT, working days, nights and weekends to fulfill the required 60 hours.

“Students are responsible for developing goals to guide them throughout the DEU Program and during each scheduled shift,” says Dean of Nursing Dr. Linda Roy. “Our institutional goal is that these students will leave our program more prepared and confident in their abilities, thanks to the training and mentorship we know they will receive from the top-notch professionals at Mayo Clinic.”

The DEU aims to support students with the following:

• Advance the socialization of the novice nurse to the practice of nursing
• Strengthen the academic partnership to include working professionals as stakeholders to advance the future of nursing
• Increase teamwork and collaboration among the health care team
• Use academic and training resources effectively and efficiently
• Increase the overall quality of patient care
• Assist in the transition to practice for new nursing professionals
  

At the end of the program, students, CNTs and faculty will complete evaluations to determine the success and future of the program. In addition, the students will maintain their connection to FSCJ faculty, who will track their career progression.

Learn about FSCJ’s A.S. in Nursing here: https://www.fscj.edu/academics/areas-of-study/hs/Nursing-RN.