Growing the Next Generation of Nurses

UNC Health Wayne and the University of Mount Olive (UMO) have come together in an exciting new partnership focused on growing the next generation of nurses right here in Eastern North Carolina. This two-year agreement will create new opportunities for local students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and help strengthen the future of healthcare in our region.

Through this partnership, nursing students at UMO will gain hands-on experience with clinical rotations at UNC Health Wayne and take part in training at UMO’s state-of-the-art Simulation Lab. The collaboration also opens the door for continuing education and career development opportunities for current UNC Health Wayne teammates.

To support this shared vision, UNC Health Wayne is committing over $50,000 each year in scholarships for junior and senior nursing students. The hospital will also offer tuition assistance, bilingual certification incentives, and a nationally recognized RN residency program to help both new graduates and current staff grow in their careers.

A joint advisory committee made up of team members from both organizations will guide the partnership and ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community. There’s even a built-in option to extend and expand the program in the years ahead.

This partnership reflects a simple yet powerful idea: by investing in education and working together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for Wayne County and beyond. We’re proud to be part of this effort and excited about the difference it will make for students, patients, and families in our region.