University of Akron School of Nursing partners with Akron Children’s Hospital

The University of Akron School of Nursing has partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital to create a dual faculty appointment position. The goal of creating such a position is to streamline clinical training opportunities for nursing students and create a pipeline of educated individuals who are ready to enter into the workforce as pediatric nurses.

According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, Jenny Michel, the first individual to hold the dual faculty position, was quoted as saying, “We can do so much more together as a team. This partnership will strengthen the education the students in the PNP track are receiving, providing students with instructors and preceptors who specialize in pediatrics across the care continuum, and supports a pediatric APP pipeline locally. Akron Children's has seen continued growth of APPs over the last decade, and I anticipate that will continue in the years ahead. It's a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the University of Akron's leadership team to create this collaborative partnership, and I'm so excited to see the positive outcomes as a result.“

Michel is a senior lecturer within the School of Nursing and is the director of advanced practice nursing at Akron Children’s Hospital. With her direct involvement in pediatric nursing on a daily basis, Michel is able to ensure that the School of Nursing’s curriculum is an accurate reflection of what nurses can expect to experience on the job.

The purpose of the dual faculty position is to assist with a common issue that comes up in nursing programs. Students are typically responsible for finding and arranging their own clinical placements. When students are unable to find their own positions, it can slow down their progression in the program and even delay their graduation from the program. Having a faculty member who is involved with both the School of Nursing and Akron Children’s Hospital who can facilitate the placements within the hospital is a boon to both the students and the hospital. 

The region is experiencing an increased need for pediatric nurses, as more and more children are living with chronic conditions and are in need of increased care. Creating the pipeline between the School of Nursing and Akron Children’s Hospital will ensure a continual pipeline of prepared pediatric nurses.

For more information about the University of Akron, visit the school’s website.