As a partner in nursing education for the region, McLeod Health has made a contribution of $75,000 to Coker University’s Nursing Program.

Nursing represents the nation’s largest healthcare profession and the largest single component of hospital staff.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in healthcare professions to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, adding about 1.8 million new jobs each year.

“McLeod recognizes the enormous value of the nurse’s contribution to patient care,” said Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center. “Providing patient advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, participation in shaping health policies, and patient education are also key nursing roles.

“This gift is a small token of appreciation for Coker University’s dedication to educating future nurses and allied health professionals.”

Coker University launched its nursing program in the fall of 2022 and has quickly expanded offerings to include Health Professional to BSN (HP-BSN), RN to BSN, RN to MSN, BSN, MSN, and the University’s first doctoral program with the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of McLeod Health,” says Dr. Carolyn Hart, Dean of Nursing at Coker University. “Coker University is doing truly unique things in nursing education. We are so appreciative of the organization’s vote of confidence in all of Coker’s nursing program options and in our goal of contributing to a nursing workforce that is compassionate and ready to excel in today’s healthcare environment.

“This donation will help move Coker’s Nursing programs forward, not only making a huge difference in the lives of our future Coker Nursing graduates but also in improving the quality of healthcare across the region and entire state.”

“The relationship and financial support of allied health nursing education is imperative to McLeod and our area,” added Derrick. “With competent nurses as part of the medical team, McLeod is capable of carrying out its mission of providing quality health care for patients in the region.”

Image Caption (left to right): Dr. Susan Henderson, Provost of Coker University; Dr. Carolyn Hart, Dean of Coker Nursing; Dr. Natalie Harder, President of Coker University; Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center; Janet Belew, Academic Nursing Student Coordinator for McLeod Health; and Charity Gerald, Director of Recruiting & Workforce Development for McLeod Health.