Shaping Future Nurses
Behind most successful people , there is a mentor who positively impacted them . That ' s the vision behind GMercyU ' s Dedicated Education Unit ( DEU ) program .
Through the DEU program , top senior Nursing students are paired with an experienced RN mentor at a participating hospital , typically one where the student would like to work . Students follow one nurse for 136 total hours , working with them for entire 12-hour shifts .
" I know without a doubt that I am able to provide such well-rounded holistic patient care because of my time in the DEU program ," Kaila said . " This experience provided me with copious hands-on knowledge and skills , all of which I credit with passing the NCLEX on the first attempt ."
" A mentor program provides the opportunity for these nurses to mentor students who will become future healthcare leaders of tomorrow . Students must come prepared to take advantage of every learning experience ," said Dr . Tricia O ' Hara , RN , Professor & Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Students within GMercyU ’ s Frances M . Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions .
From One Griffin to Another
Since launching in 2019 , the DEU program has graduated more than 300 students .
In the true spirit of the program , five GMercyU alumna who participated in the Dedicated Education Unit as students are serving as mentors this year : Taylor Simmons ' 19 , Kyleen Tidwell ‘ 22 , Kaila Brown Griffenburg ' 21 , Brenna Selby ' 19 , and Alexa Cruz ' 22 .
For Kaila Brown Griffenburg ' 21 , her experience in the program and working at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital was " worth its weight in gold ."
Now , Kaila has the unique opportunity to impact future nurses .
" What better way to help improve the nursing field than by shaping future nurses to provide patients with the care they need and deserve , nurses who can improve the field , and ensure future generations are set up for success ," Kaila said .
Brenna Selby ' 19 knows the importance of giving new nurses support and encouragement . It ' s why five years after participating in the DEU program at Einstein in the mother / baby unit , where she still works today , she is giving back .
" In the craziness of our days , it can be a lot of work taking on students , but we were all in that position when we were just starting out , and we all remember the nurses who were kind and willing to help us learn ," Brenna said .
Brenna ' s mentee , senior Nursing student Jolie Carney , is grateful for the experience with someone who was in her shoes not that long ago .
" She went through the program at the same hospital on the same unit , so she understands everything I am doing . She went through the same grueling hours of classes and studying . I feel as though I can relate to her ," Jolie said .
Learn more about the Dedicated Education Unit and some of the alums featured in the story here .
Top : GMercyU Senior Katie Betts ( left ) with mentor and alumna Kaila Griffenburg ' 21 at Abington / Lansdale Hospital .
TODAY 15