UNCW, Partners Strengthening Cape Fear Healthcare Workforce

UNCW hosted a panel discussion on Monday, June 9 in Discovery Hall to share an update with stakeholders on the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership (NHHCP).  

UNCW has been working in collaboration with Cape Fear Community College and New Hanover County Schools to recruit, train and retain healthcare professionals in the Cape Fear Region while leveraging the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s ability to engage and connect stakeholders across the community. In December 2023, the effort came to life through the support of The Endowment after the organizations were awarded $22.3 million in grants collectively. 

A major part of the effort is the creation of a healthcare superhighway. Starting as early as elementary school, students in New Hanover County will have access to learning opportunities that expose them to different areas of healthcare. As the students get older and become students at UNCW and CFCC, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce works with healthcare providers to create job opportunities in the region. 

Through the collaboration, the UNCW College of Health and Human Services and CFCC implemented the “Try Teal” program last year. This allows CFCC Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students to begin their journey toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). “Try Teal” lets CFCC ADN students enroll in two Registered Nurse to BSN (RN to BSN) courses at UNCW without tuition or fees, saving students over $1,200. 

Also in partnership with CFCC, UNCW launched the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship in January. This program brings together CFCC and UNCW nursing students in a learning community that will retain graduates in New Hanover County by providing scholarships and support after graduation. The fellowship will support students’ transition to their desired healthcare profession by offering mentorship stipends and financial, social, and emotional support for two years beyond graduation.  

"Mentoring others on nursing pathway programs will strengthen Fellows leadership abilities in the hopes of filling critical preceptor roles in the future," said Brooke Nigro, NHHCP project director.

On Monday, students had the opportunity to share their own success stories within the partnership, highlighting the profound impact it has had on their education and their lives. 

“Thanks to the programs created by the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership powered by The Endowment, like the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship, I was able to access resources that helped me stay focused and confident in my studies,” said Courtney Chaplin, a CFCC nursing student. “Through this support, I received scholarships for financial assistance, clinical supplies and mentorship that not only lifted some of the financial burden but also helped me feel more prepared walking into clinical settings.” 

“The support I’ve received through scholarships, a mentorship stipend and licensure funding gave me the stability to focus on growing as a nurse instead of worrying about making ends meet,” said Cassidy King ’25, a UNCW School of Nursing alumna. “My clinicals in New Hanover County helped me feel seen, supported and prepared. Nurses here poured into my learning and now I have the opportunity to give back to this community as a professional—through both my nursing care and mentorship of future students.” 

Panelists provided an update on the progress to date within the partnership and answered common questions received about the partnership. Panelists included Jack Watson, UNCW College of Health and Human Services dean; Mary Ellen Naylor, CFCC Health Sciences dean; Mandy Mills, NHCS Career and Technical Education director; and Steven Hill, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce vice president of talent pipeline. 

Aiming to produce 50% more nurses in the next three years, Watson shared that CHHS is hoping to double the size of UNCW’s simulation labs to help meet the need for additional clinical space needed to train the next generation of nurses. Also helping to increase the output of nurses, UNCW now offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing Program, of which the first cohort will begin this summer.  

“The progress we’ve made reflects the strength of our collaboration and the work being done by each partner to effectively recruit, train and retain a quality workforce,” said Watson. “By developing many pathway and pipeline programs to engage and support students who are interested in healthcare professions and aligning our educational programs with the workforce needs in New Hanover County, we’re not only preparing students for meaningful careers but also ensuring our healthcare system has the talent it needs to thrive. Through our efforts, we aim to retain a much larger percentage of our graduates in New Hanover County to serve our residents.” 

Read more about the NHHCP