WVU Medicine’s Diploma Program is Lowering Barriers to Nursing Education. Here’s How.

WVU Medicine's diploma program gives traditional nursing education a contemporary approach, according to this CNE.

As CNOs across the country look for solutions to the nursing shortage, one key factor to consider is nursing education. 

Nurse leaders and education partners must find new ways to increase the number of students entering and graduating from programs, who can then step into clinical roles as fully prepared nurses. Lowering barriers to entry in nursing education takes some creative thinking, and WVU Medicine has found an innovative pathway forward: a hospital-based diploma program. 

According to Melanie Heuston, chief nurse executive at WVU Medicine and HealthLeaders Exchange member, the inspiration for the Center of Nursing Education was the nursing shortage.

"When we did an assessment of the state and what was being produced, and how many [nurses] we needed at WVU Medicine, [we realized] many schools were not filling all their seats," Heuston said. "So, we wanted to do something disruptive [and] innovative, and we decided to create our own program."

WVU Medicine is approaching their diploma program differently than traditional diploma programs. Heuston explained that they are looking holistically at the whole person and what support they need to complete their education.

"We created it in the way that we believe nursing should be taught today," Heuston said. "It's traditional nursing education with a contemporary approach."

HealthLeaders sat down with Heuston, live from the CNO Exchange in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss how WVU Medicine's hospital-based diploma program is revolutionizing nursing education. Tune in to hear her insights. 

The HealthLeaders Exchange is an executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights. Please join the community at our LinkedIn page. 

To inquire about attending a HealthLeaders Exchange event, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.