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Nursing Workforce Development

We invest in our nurses at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re a student new to the profession, a new graduate finding your path, or an experienced nurse looking to advance, we are here to support you. From shadowing experience to pursuing a new nursing degree, we provide the mentorship, education, and career development resources needed to help you grow, thrive, and deliver exceptional patient care.

Our nursing workforce development plan is easily outlined in the eight-step nursing career ladder listed below:


Step 1: Shadowing Experience

A hands-off experience with clinical and/or non-clinical staff and not for course credit. The shadowing experience is an opportunity for adults 18 years of age and up.


Step 2: Nurse Technicians

Interested in a Nurse Technician position while in nursing school? Nurse Techs at OU Health are unique and require only one shift.

  • Nursing student between 1st semester and passing their NCLEX
  • Work within system float pool
  • Autonomous within scope of practice
  • Min. requirement: One 12-hour shift every four weeks


Step 3: Nurse Extern Program

  • Seven weeks between junior/senior year of nursing school
  • Full-time paid hours
  • Precepted 1:1 model


Step 4: Internal Recruitment Event: Career Launch Day

Opportunity for OU Health nursing students to explore the positions available within OU Health and select units/clinics for a full-time R.N. offer. Our internal nursing students are given priority over external candidates for R.N. placement.


Step 5: Nurse Interns Program

  • Senior nursing students: 3rd/4th semester OU College of Nursing OR 4th semester UCO nursing student
  • Paid for clinical component (hours dependent on course curriculum)
  • Non-competitive application process
  • Precepted or supervised model
  • O­ffer Nurse Tech positions for a dual employment opportunity


Step 6: Nurse Residency Program

  • Provides new graduate nurses with resources and experiences for a strong nursing career foundation
  • Includes one-on-one preceptor guidance and an OU Health Residency Coordinator
  • Uses an evidence-based curriculum designed by Vizient and the AACN
  • Supports registered nurses from accredited programs (associate degree, diploma, bachelor's degree)


Step 7: Loan Repayment

We will pay up to $25,000 in student loan repayments over a maximum period of five years (or your full loan balance, if less than $25,000) for eligible Bedside Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to ease the financial burden of your debt


Step 8: Nursing Degree Accelerator Program

The Degree Accelerator Program is designed to be convenient for the working OU Health R.N. and LPN and offers:

  • The program covers the cost of tuition, fees and books
  • Participants will be assigned a support network of a College of Nursing Advisor, Academic Coach and Faculty program mentor
  • All courses occur online with scheduled on campus time*

*Not applicable to the Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN programs

Learn More

Visit the Degree Accelerator Program for comprehensive details regarding
eligibility, admission requirements and the application process.

Click Here


Points of Pride

OU Health nurses are essential to delivering exceptional care to our patients and community, and we are committed to supporting their growth and success. Our programs are designed to enhance skills, expand knowledge, and empower our nursing staff to excel in their roles.

Professional Development

Leadership

OU Health Nurse Leader Forum
The OU Health Nurse Leader Forum brings together nurse managers and above to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of nursing at OU Health. This forum provides a platform to discuss key initiatives, share updates, and explore strategies that support nursing excellence and professional growth.

OU Health Nurse Leader Development Program
The OU Health Nurse Leader Development Program is an eight-week program designed for nurse managers and above. It supports professional growth, enhances skills and knowledge, and empowers nurse leaders to excel in leadership, elevate high quality patient care, and foster nursing excellence – all essential to advancing our mission to become a 5-star academic medical center and the destination of choice for patients with serious and complex conditions. Program Highlights include:

  • Leadership Skills: Drive strategic results and foster a culture of learning and collaboration
  • Professional Growth: Develop leadership skills and advance your career
  • Network Opportunities: Connect with leaders and build a supportive network
  • Continuous Development: Reinforce your knowledge and create a coaching culture
  • Empowerment: Reach your fullest potential at OU Health

Continuing Education Opportunities

Guild Education offers Nursing Certificates & Bootcamps such as:

  • Healthcare Management Certificate
  • Medical Billing & Coding Certificate of Completion
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Holistic Perspective on Aging and Wellness
  • Health Unit Coordinator Certificate

Nursing Bachelor's Degrees (Not including similar degrees to what’s offered by the Degree Accelerator Program, like R.N. to BSN, etc.)

  • Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degrees:
  • MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN, Nurse Executive Leadership
  • MSN in Nursing Leadership
  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN (DNP Path)
  • MS in Nursing (MSN)
  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety
  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner (R.N. to MSN)
  • MS in Nursing (MSN), Nurse Education
  • MSN, Population Healthcare
  • MSN, Nursing Leadership & Administration (BSN to MSN)
  • MSN, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN, Nursing Education