South University and Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals

South University’s College of Nursing announces a clinical partnership with Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals. South University received approval to begin a professional level (4-year) nursing program from the South Carolina State Board of Nursing last month.

Under the new partnership, Providence Hospitals will provide learning experiences for South University’s students in the form of clinical rotations, relative to the hospitals’ specialties, and simulated nursing experiences at Providence Learning Institute.

“This partnership is a win for Providence Hospitals, a win for South University and a win for anyone seeking health care services in South Carolina,” said Joan Ross, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Providence. “It is our responsibility to support nursing education programs given, not only the national shortage but, the serious state-wide shortage of nurses in South Carolina.”

South University students have the opportunity for life-changing experiences by choosing to apply for the nursing program and completing clinical practice courses at hospitals like Providence.

“To address the nursing shortage, partnerships between universities and hospitals are strongly encouraged,” said Michelle Liken, PhD, RN, program director for South University. “As our nursing students strive for clinical excellence, high quality faculty and facilities are critical.”

“Joining forces with Providence Hospitals enhances the clinical experiences that our nursing students will have while earning their degrees,” said Anne Patton, president of South University. “South University’s nursing students will have the benefit of learning from a committed and highly qualified hospital staff.”

South University is currently enrolling students into the Health Science program to complete prerequisite nursing courses.

Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level, with campuses located in Savannah, Ga., Columbia, S.C., Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala. Further information on South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu?pr.aspx=su094.

Owned by the Sisters of Charity Health System, Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals is known statewide for its compassionate care. This non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds and is comprised of four entities: Providence Hospital, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, Providence Hospital Northeast and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

Providence Hospital, located in downtown Columbia, was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine in 1938. The facility is best known for the expertise in cardiac care it provides through Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, which is recognized statewide as a referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Providence Hospital Northeast was established in 1999 and offers a range of medical services in surgery, emergency care, women’s and children’s services and rehabilitation. Providence Northeast is home to Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute, which provides medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints and spine.