McLeod Health July 2, 2024
As a partner in local nursing education, McLeod Health has donated $75,000 to Coker University’s nursing program.
Nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession and the largest component of hospital staff.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in health professions will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, adding about 1.8 million new jobs each year.
“McLeod recognizes the great value of nurses’ contributions to patient care,” said Tony Derrick, chief nursing officer at McLeod Regional Medical Center. “Patient advocacy, promoting a safe environment, participating in health policy development and patient education are also key roles of nurses.”
“This gift is a small token of appreciation for Coker College’s dedicated efforts in educating future nurses and allied health professionals.”
Coker University will begin its nursing program in fall 2022 and has rapidly expanded its offerings to include health professional to BSN (HP-BSN), RN to BSN, RN to MSN, BSN, MSN, and the university’s first-ever Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
“We are incredibly grateful for McLeod Health’s support,” said Dr. Carolyn Hart, dean of Coker University’s School of Nursing. “Coker University takes a truly unique approach to nursing education, and we are so grateful for the organization’s confidence in all of Coker University’s nursing program options and our goal of contributing to a nursing workforce that is compassionate and prepared to excel in today’s healthcare environment.”
“This donation will help advance Coker’s nursing program and make a real difference in the lives of future Coker School of Nursing graduates, as well as improve the quality of health care in our region and across the state.”
“Our collaboration with and financial support of allied health nursing education is essential to McLeod and our community,” Derrick added. “Having talented nurses as part of our healthcare team allows McLeod to fulfill its mission of providing quality health care to patients in our community.”
Image caption (left to right): Dr. Susan Henderson, President of Coker University; Dr. Carolyn Hart, Dean of Coker’s School of Nursing; Dr. Natalie Harder, President of Coker University; Tony Derrick, Chief of Nursing, McLeod Regional Medical Center; Janet Brew, Student Coordinator for Nursing, McLeod Health; Charity Gerard, Director of Recruitment and Workforce Development, McLeod Health.