Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Launch Innovative Nursing Program
Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are proud to announce an innovative and mutually beneficial nursing program that creates a pipeline for future nursing employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and furthers Trinity’s commitment to alleviating student debt. At the official signing event on November 14, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, leaders from both institutions and the inaugural cohort of three current junior students in the Trinity nursing program were present.
“We are honored and excited to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine. It demonstrates powerfully the way that cooperation across sectors can have compelling and positive outcomes for students, two anchor institutions, and for the educational and healthcare outcomes of the communities we serve,” said President of Trinity Christian College, Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our colleagues at Northwestern Medicine for their incredible collaboration – and I am eager to see the ways we can deepen this shared work.”
“The department of nursing at Trinity Christian is excited to be able to directly connect Trinity students with NM Palos Hospital to provide excellent care right here in Palos Heights,” said Dr. Tina Decker, professor or nursing and chair of the nursing department, Trinity Christian College. “We are proud of the care our nursing students and graduates provide and are thrilled about the new and expanded opportunities this sponsored degree program offers.”
The collaboration, which launched in the fall of 2024, secures Northwestern Medicine and Trinity’s commitments to enhancing their local communities. This foundational collaboration includes Northwestern Medicine funding the final two years of tuition for this initial cohort of students and hosting all available clinical rotations for the students at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. This unique opportunity offers Trinity students extensive experience in a world-class health system. In exchange, upon degree completion, Trinity-sponsored nurses will commit to three years of employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in any available inpatient unit.
“Northwestern Medicine is committed to deepening relationships within our community, and it is an honor to collaborate with Trinity Christian College to provide clinical and financial support for local students pursuing a career in nursing,” said Mike Vivoda, president, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “Nursing plays such a critical role in our health system, and we look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to offer opportunities for those interested in nursing to pursue their dreams.”
Alongside the benefits of ending reliance on student debt for Trinity students and the commitment to mutual good in the community, this collaboration creates a sustainable pipeline of top talent for Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. Through this forward-thinking approach to nursing education and workforce development, Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are fostering unique collaboration in higher education and healthcare.
“Our commitment to deepening workforce pipelines for nursing through enhanced community relationships is a high priority for Northwestern Medicine,” said Kristin Ramsey, MSN, MPPM, RN, chief nursing officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “These efforts in conjunction with providing thoughtful, innovative nursing education models is helping to create a very strong future for our nurses, who are essential in serving our patients with the highest level of care.”
By investing in the future of healthcare professionals while alleviating the financial burden on students, both institutions are setting a precedent for innovative educational models that prioritize community needs and professional growth. Together, they are addressing the urgent demand for skilled nurses and cultivating a generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to serving their community with excellence and compassion.
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About Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
With 425 licensed beds and more than 600 affiliated physicians, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, located in Palos Heights, Illinois, serves the city’s south and southwest suburbs. Palos Hospital offers advanced technology in a scenic, healing environment. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Palos Hospital is continually recognized as a premier healthcare provider by healthcare rating systems.
For more information, please go to nm.org.
About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
