This episode of the Get Schooled on Public Education podcast spotlights two schools dedicated to preparing nurses to enter rewarding careers in the medical field. Amidst a national shortage of healthcare workers, including nurses, these schools are nurturing the healthcare heroes of tomorrow. In our public charter school innovation series, we interviewed two school leaders to learn more about their nursing programs. We talked to Dr. Pamela McCue, a registered nurse and the CEO of Nurses Middle College (NursesMC), a network of nursing charter high schools. Their flagship school is the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College. We also talked to Dr. Casey Sacks, President at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, where the Workforce Initiative for Nurses (WIN) Academy is located in West Virginia. Listen to learn more about their journeys in educational leadership, the unique features of their school models, and how students and families continue to be positively impacted.

Key Takeaways:

• Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
• Equipping nurses to join the workforce is critical in today’s healthcare environment.
• Partnerships and community support have a huge impact on the success of nursing programs and allow students to gain hands-on experience.
• When recruiting teachers for nursing programs, it’s best practice to select an educator who has experience in the field and passion for improving healthcare.

Guests:

• Dr. Pamela L. McCue, RN, CEO, Nurses Middle College (NursesMC)  - Network of Nursing Charter High Schools
  • Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School
• Dr. Casey Sacks, President, BridgeValley Community and Technical College
  • Workforce Initiative for Nurses (WIN) Academy in West Virginia

Quotes

"Charter Schools are public schools. We will enroll any student who wants to come to us." - Dr. Casey Sacks

Families are choosing our Charter School. because of our culture. we’re delivering education through a lens of health and our culture is holistic. - Dr. Pamela L. McCue, RN

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Advocacy for Diverse Nursing Workforce and Education
04:55 - Crucial Role of 100% Internship Experience in Student Development
07:01 - Community Colleges' Impact on Tomorrow's Workforce
08:44 - Bridging Skills Gap and Connecting Students to Jobs
9:59 - Transitioning Beyond Traditional Education"
12:29 - Challenging Perceptions and Embracing Growth
13:54 - Focus on Student Support and Innovation in Nursing Program

15:31 - Expansion Plan of Winn Academy and Search for Partnerships16:39 - Outro