UNC Health Lenoir Introduces 10 New Nursing Scholarships for LCC Students

UNC Health Lenoir along with other hospitals across the state have felt the stress of the nursing shortage over the last few years and that stress will likely continue. According to the American Association for Colleges of Nursing, the United States is projected to see continued shortages of RNs as baby boomers get older and our aging population sees an increased need for health care. In addition, the Covid pandemic has negatively impacted the workforce satisfaction rates resulting in early retirements and career changes for many nursing professionals.  

To combat this shortage, UNC Health Lenoir has hired contract nurses to fill empty positions. Hospital leadership is working diligently to decrease the number of contract positions and has seen significant results. Recruiting efforts for new, full time permanent nurses is at an all-time high. 

One method used for recruitment of new graduate nurses is the funding of nursing scholarships. UNC Health Lenoir, in partnership with Lenoir Community College has recently announced that they will be awarding ten full nursing scholarships specifically for students from Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. The UNC Health Lenoir Nursing Scholarship provides full tuition and a monthly stipend to help cover additional expenses experienced by a full-time nursing student. The total scholarship is valued at $7000 per academic year.

“The LCC nursing program produces high quality nurses. These ten scholarships will attract local students that have a stake in our community and know our population well. UNC Health Lenoir’s mission is to provide exceptional care for the community we serve. These scholarships help support this important work and we are happy to partner with LCC to deliver high quality health care for Lenoir and surrounding counties,” states Dr. Crystal Hayden, President and CEO, UNC Health Lenoir.  

“We are extremely appreciative to UNC Health Lenoir for providing this incredible scholarship opportunity to our students. This program not only supports aspiring nurses but also champions the vitality of our community. By encouraging nursing students to stay in the area, it enriches their educational journey and ensures our community’s health and well-being for years to come,” said Dr. Rusty Hunt, President of Lenoir Community College. 

For additional information about these scholarships or to get an application please contact Geraldine Taylor, Geraldine.Taylor@unchealth.unc.edu , 252-522-7889.  Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2024.

About UNC Health Lenoir

UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit hospital serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has a 117-year history of providing excellent care to the community. In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Lenoir offers specialized services including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, radiology, and urology. Surgical specialties include general surgery, vascular, orthopedic, and bariatrics. UNC Health Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. For more information or to find a physician, visit unclenoir.org.