Oakland University and Providence Hospital, a member of St. John Health System, signed a collaborative agreement Friday, September 21, that addresses recruitment of student nurses, educational opportunities for OU students, support for student retention through scholarships, mentorships and clinical research opportunities for OU faculty and the Providence staff.

“Working with the executives and nursing staff at Providence Hospital and Medical Centers has been one of my most rewarding experiences. Their leaders are forward thinking and responsive and their nursing staff is exemplary,” said OU’s Dean of Nursing Kathleen Emrich, “Our students will benefit greatly from their placements there.”

As a part of the agreement, which was signed at Providence Hospital, OU nursing seniors will be paired with practicing Providence nurses for a one-to-one experience. The goal is to increase the independence and skill level of the students, to prepare them to function as a professional nurse with a typical caseload and to reduce the anxiety and improve their transition into the professional roles.

"At Providence, we are constantly exploring opportunities to attract quality nursing candidates in order to support our high quality of care. This agreement, with a respected institution such as Oakland University, will strengthen our recruitment and training endeavors and directly benefit our patients," said Kathryn Ryan, vice president of operations - Acute Services and chief nursing officer. "Attracting and placing quality candidates into the nursing field is a very important issue cross the nation. The actions of each local hospital will eventually benefit all communities. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Oakland University."

Providence Hospitals and Medical Centers already are partners with OU’s School of Nursing. They have been the major sponsors of the Nightingale Award for two years in a row and recently designated six scholarships, worth $5,000 each, exclusively for OU nurses.