Partnership to Address Nursing Shortage

Calvin University and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Calvin-Pine Rest Bachelor of Science in Nursing Partnership.

The partnership supports a workforce-development strategy for current Pine Rest employees who wish to pursue a BSN degree and for existing undergraduates at Calvin University who are considering a career in psychiatric nursing.

“Calvin University and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services are leaders in their respective fields and, together, will offer Michigan’s future nurses a world-class education and invaluable patient-care experience in behavioral health,” said Gretchen Johnson, chief nurse executive for Pine Rest.

The partnership comes in response to a current demand for more mental health professionals, a need for nurses to receive continuing education, and an expected nursing shortage over the next several years due to burnout and the retirement of baby boomers.

Through this partnership, Pine Rest will provide up to $10,000 in tuition assistance per semester (up to $40,000 total) for at least six undergraduate students enrolled at Calvin University (with an expectation for that number to increase). In return, students will agree to work at Pine Rest while attending nursing school and for at least two years after being licensed by the State of Michigan.

Dr. Adejoke Ayoola, dean of Calvin University’s School of Health, says this partnership will help meet the real needs of the market while providing aspiring nurses with a great pathway to their future career.

“The pandemic has caused increased emotional vulnerability, and a lot of people are struggling with mental health, so we need more mental health nurses,” said Ayoola. “This collaboration creates a pathway to help meet this need while also providing an opportunity for our nursing students to gain invaluable experience and receive the financial resources to help them pay for their education. I believe in collaboration. When we walk together, that’s when we are strong.”

As part of the partnership, Calvin University will admit up to six students in its BSN program each year into the Pine-Rest Academy. The Pine Rest Academy students may be Calvin nursing students or Pine Rest employees who qualify for admission to Calvin and are interested in pursuing a BSN degree.

“We are extremely excited by this partnership with Calvin University and the launch of our Pine Rest Academy for nursing students,” said Johnson. “I truly believe the Pine Rest Academy and our partnership with Calvin University will set a new standard for nurse education and training—one that will greatly benefit current and future patients, our local communities, and the state of Michigan as a whole.”

The discussions that Calvin University leaders initiated with Pine Rest have led to other colleges’ and universities’ signing on as partners as well. Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, and Montcalm Community College have now also joined the Pine Rest Academy.