Also as part of the effort to move graduates into actual working roles as quickly as possible, I am working closely with Dr. Susan Campbell, Jefferson’s chief nurse executive, to develop a pathway for JCN’s newly graduated nurses to seamlessly transition to clinical roles in Jefferson Health. 

Dr. Campbell says:

"During this unprecedented pandemic, we are exploring innovative ways to connect these new graduates with our leaders in the clinical area of their choice. Our latest is a series of virtual interview sessions. We are looking forward to welcoming our new graduates to our Pathway Programs.”

And graduating JCN student Grace Cho says:

 “Although everything is very uncertain and scary, I am very excited to be starting my nursing career right now. This virus will shed more insight on how to better manage epidemiological crises, patients clinically and emotionally, and allocation of resources. But just as importantly, if not more, it will also help people understand the importance of primary prevention and other public health measures we need to take to avoid problems like this and to be as healthy as we can. I know through all of this I will learn and grow so much as a new-to-practice nurse. And I am hopeful that this will help create a healthier future for the world.”

Again, this pandemic suddenly has thrust immense burdens upon our health system. The demand for well-prepared professionals, at all levels, has never been greater, and this year’s JCN graduates will be called on to bolster and support more experienced nurses to an extent we could not have anticipated until this academic year was well under way.

But I am confident that our graduates will rise to the moment and make key contributions to overcoming this daunting challenge.