The two organizations have a rich and collaborative history
Guest authors: Kimberly Stern, Christine Hamele
KANSAS CITY, MO. — (August 29, 2024) — Avila University today announced a new, expanded strategic partnership with HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, to educate and train aspiring nurses through high-quality, accessible education. The expanded partnership builds on Avila’s rich, 20-year history of delivering high-quality education by pairing its online nursing program with on-site clinical learning at HCA Midwest Health hospitals and centers, leveraging both institutions’ commitment to develop the local healthcare workforce while also providing greater access to nursing education and career development.
This partnership between Avila and HCA Midwest Health demonstrates a commitment to lessen the nursing shortages in Missouri and Kansas while fostering education and growth for healthcare workers within the community. Nursing students enrolled in Avila’s programs can complete their coursework online and conduct the required clinicals at HCA Midwest Health to earn their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. By offering this accelerated program, students within the community will have the opportunity to earn their BSN degree and gain the skills necessary to begin working immediately.
“We are excited to partner with HCA Midwest Health and provide the nurses of tomorrow with essential training and education,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, President of Avila University. “This partnership will allow us to expand our nursing workforce and strengthen the bond between our healthcare institutions and the communities they serve.”
“This new partnership with Avila University improves access to training for future nurses so they can be successful and provide the best possible patient care,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “Healthcare professionals and nurses are the heart of our mission, and this collaboration ensures access to a high-quality nursing program while making significant progress on addressing the pressing nursing shortage within the area.”
Avila University and HCA Midwest will train aspiring nurses using real-life experience and on-site clinicals at HCA Midwest Health facilities to ensure nurses are prepared to meet the evolving needs of patients. By completing this program, current HCA Midwest Health employees and aspiring nurses from the community can earn the vital skills needed to become nurses and advance their careers.
“As an alumna of Avila University and now a nurse leader at Belton Regional Medical Center, it is deeply meaningful to be a part of our organizations coming together to invest in future nurses,” said Belton Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Robyn Miller. “I attribute much of my success to the education I received at Avila. So, to now play a role in providing an opportunity for HCA Midwest Health colleagues to advance their careers in nursing is rewarding.”
The nursing shortage has become a critical challenge in healthcare; last year, nurse vacancies reached 17.4% in Missouri and 19% in Kansas, respectively. Avila University’s partnership with HCA Midwest will help combat these climbing numbers and offer a path for more nurses to join the Kansas City nursing community.
Avila University and HCA Midwest Health Expand Partnership for Future Nurses
The first cycle of students can enroll as soon as January 2025. To learn more about Avila healthcare programs or to enroll, visit https://nursing.avila.edu/hca/
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About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and a local economic impact of more than $1.3 billion annually. That includes more than $113 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and almost $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Health’s partnership with Research College of Nursing has resulted in thousands of highly-trained nurses working within our community, and a new, expanded $34 million RCON campus will break ground in Fall 2024 and open in late 2025. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals, and support staff comprise the HCA Midwest Health team dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.