Sparrow Health System and the Michigan State University College of Nursing are working together on a new partnership to provide innovative clinical learning experiences for nursing students on a dedicated clinical unit at Sparrow Hospital.
The Dedicated Education Unit is a national model to promote team building, leadership and improved educational and patient-care outcomes. The program identifies Sparrow nurses to be clinical mentors and pairs them with nursing students.
“This academic partnership between Sparrow and MSU is the first of its kind in the region,” said Kim Alexander, Sparrow’s Director of Clinical Care Services. “By having these students learn side by side with a clinical mentor, we create an environment that elevates the practice of the mentor and student, with a strong emphasis on improving the clinical outcomes for our patients.”
“Working closely with a BSN nurse mentor will enrich the clinical education of the students,” said Martha Scheckel, MSU College of Nursing Director of Undergraduate Programs. “This relationship will help the students experience all aspects of the RN role in creating a safe, quality-care environment.”
The Dedicated Education Unit was planned by a joint team of MSU nursing faculty and Sparrow nursing leaders. Mentor training and student orientation began in mid-September.