Ascension St. Vincent has marked a major milestone in addressing the persistent national nursing shortage with the graduation of the first cohort from its innovative Nursing Apprenticeship program. This pioneering initiative, which emphasizes early integration and extensive hands-on experience, is proving to be an essential model for cultivating the next generation of confident, highly-skilled nurses.
The inaugural class, which completed their apprenticeship in December 2025, includes graduates Tim Gold, Savannah Barnes, and Ben Hubers. The program was strategically designed to combat the nursing shortage by offering individuals financial support to earn their degree while simultaneously gaining invaluable clinical experience.
"I was actually in debt from my other degree and had no idea how I was going to pay for nursing school," Gold explained. "I got an email mentioning this new program that would pay for school with a commitment of working per week. I thought it was too good to be true, but it was a perfect fit for me."
"During the second semester, we began taking on student nurse roles, starting with eight hours per week while continuing to work a 12-hour patient care technician shift," noted graduate Savannah Barnes. This phase also included a "ministry of choice” experience, offering rotations through specialty units.
"I especially enjoyed my time in mother-baby, NICU, and labor and delivery, as these areas were entirely new to me but a place I see myself in the future; it was incredibly rewarding," Barnes shared.
The sheer volume of clinical experience is a cornerstone of the program's success. Gold estimated that he completed a staggering 2,000 clinical hours through the apprenticeship, in addition to the required 500 hours for his degree—a fourfold increase.
"I would say that is great preparation," Gold stated, asserting that this extensive experience is crucial for building confidence and reducing turnover among new nurses. "I feel like I have a huge head start. I feel more comfortable and confident and, most importantly, I feel like it has helped me to become a safer all-around caregiver and nurse."
Both graduates view the apprenticeship as integral to the future of nursing.
"This program is such a good idea because it addresses so many of the problems that face nurses today," Gold asserted, citing the lack of experience, misunderstanding of the career, and financial barriers to entry.
Barnes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the practical benefits. "The hands-on experience provided far more learning opportunities than clinicals alone could offer," she asserted. "The program helped me feel comfortable asking for help when I need it, taking initiative, and stepping into my new role."
Ultimately, Barnes believes programs like this are vital for addressing the national nursing shortage. "Programs like this are necessary to the future of nursing," she concluded. "They address several major barriers, including the cost of education, lack of experience, and anxiety about securing employment before graduation. Building confident, well-prepared nurses through programs like this ultimately strengths the workforce."
