UNC Health Wayne and University of Mount Olive Partner to Strengthen Nursing Workforce in Eastern NC

UNC Health Wayne and the University of Mount Olive (UMO) have officially entered into a strategic two-year partnership aimed at addressing the growing need for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared nurses in Eastern North Carolina. This collaborative agreement establishes a pipeline for nursing education, clinical training, and workforce development, with a shared commitment to improving healthcare access and quality across the region.

As part of the agreement, UMO will provide BSN students with clinical rotation opportunities at UNC Health Wayne and offer continuing education resources for the hospital’s medical personnel. The partnership will also leverage UMO’s Simulation Lab for training and skills fairs designed to enhance hands-on learning.

To support student success and career development, UNC Health Wayne will invest more than $50,000 annually in scholarships for junior and senior nursing students at UMO. Additional funding and programs will benefit current UNC Health Wayne teammates, including tuition assistance, participation in a nationally recognized RN residency program, bilingual certification incentives, and structured career advancement through the hospital’s Clinical Ladder Program.

“This partnership is a meaningful investment in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Dr. Jessie Tucker, President/CEO of UNC Health Wayne. “By supporting our students and workforce through education and opportunity, we are strengthening our local talent pipeline and advancing patient care.”

Key components of the agreement include:

• Clinical education and on-site instruction from a dedicated UMO nursing faculty member
• A joint advisory committee to ensure program quality and effectiveness through ongoing assessments
• Financial support for UMO students and UNC Health Wayne employees pursuing degrees in nursing and allied health fields
• Relocation and commitment incentives for new graduate nurses joining UNC Health Wayne

“This partnership provides a clear and affordable pathway for students in Wayne and surrounding counties to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” said Dr. Burt Lewis, UMO Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By aligning our academic programs with real workforce needs, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and serve in their own communities.”

The MOU includes a renewal option and outlines plans for continued evaluation and growth of the partnership. Both institutions are united in their mission to serve the healthcare needs of the region through innovation, education, and care “This began as a simple discussion about the need for more qualified nurses,” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom, “Through that dialogue, we recognized the shared mission and values between our institutions. This agreement represents a tangible step toward solving the nursing shortage in our region.”