Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Launches Nurse Extern Program to Strengthen Local Healthcare Workforce
11/8/2024
POPLAR BLUFF, MO, November 8, 2024 – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Nurse Extern Program, beginning November 8, 2024. This initiative, led by PBRMC’s Education Department, is designed to equip the next generation of nurses with critical hands-on experience and practical skills in various specialties. Our inaugural class includes 15 nurse externs, all of whom are actively enrolled in a pre-licensure registered nursing program.
The Nurse Extern Program offers nursing students an opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. As they rotate through different nursing specialties, externs will gain firsthand experience under the mentorship of PBRMC’s nursing team. This exposure is essential in preparing these students for successful careers upon graduation and empowers them to deliver high-quality care to our community.
“Our Nurse Extern Program is more than just an educational opportunity—it’s about building a culture that values, mentors, and supports future nurses,” said Carla Rider, CNO at PBRMC. “With this program, we aim to increase nurse retention at PBRMC, ensuring continuity of care and stability within our hospital and community.”
This initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort to address workforce shortages and strengthen healthcare access across the region. PBRMC has partnered with Heartland Forward to create seamless pathways for students from secondary education into nursing programs and career apprenticeships.
As we welcome our first class of nurse externs, PBRMC is proud to lead initiatives that enrich the lives of future healthcare providers and positively impact our community.
“By investing in our workforce today, we are building a stronger, healthier tomorrow for Southeast Missouri,” said Clyde Wood, CEO.
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