A Grand Valley education doesn't happen in vacuum, but is purposefully embedded and supplemented by experiential learning opportunities to create an empowered education experience for all students. No where is this sentiment more visible then in GVSU's nursing program. 

From support in setting up clinical placements and mentorships, to offered opportunities and events, even the physical location of the college speaks to the importance KCON puts on partnerships with health care systems, providers, and educators. This intentional development of community partners is not a short-term effort, but an ongoing and sustained commitment to provide KCON students a comprehensive education to meet their professional needs. 

Below are examples of the type of partnerships that the college enjoys, and how they support student success. 

Most KCON programs require a clinical placement, embedded within the program. However, unlike other programs, KCON does not require you to find your own. Instead, we will work closely with you, understanding your career goals, and matching you in an internship to help you succeed!  

College Program Directors and the Office of Student Services support nursing students with their clinical placements. KCON's location on the Grand Rapids' "Medical Mile" means that many of these opportunities are very close by, but we have relationships and contacts with most of the health systems in the state, allowing us to find the placement that is right for you! 

KCON knows the importance building and sustaining strong relationships with healthcare partners, both locally and across the state and nation. Broadly these relationships are most often a win-win for all involved. Through connection and conversation with healthcare partners, KCON faculty and students hear directly from nursing leaders on the current and ever-changing landscape of healthcare. These conversations then help shape nursing education at GVSU, which ultimately prepare KCON graduates for employment and advancement in their field. 

Our health system partners are often way more than just conversation partners, but are invested stakeholders in the quality education we provide. This more official partnerships result in many benefits for KCON students and graduates, including financial assistance, mentorships, and guarenteed placement after graduation. 

Often the most meaningful connection students have with healthcare partners are through an assinged preceptor or mentor. These key relationships provide students the support they need as they take their new knowledge and skills into the profession. Students often will site these relationships as the most impactful over the course of their education. 

Preceptors are a very concrete way for health care professionals to give back but supporting and encouraging the next generation of health care leaders. With this in mind, here in KCON, we have created the Preceptor Resource Network, with the goal of supporting those who are supporting KCON students by providing them access to a library of resources and a professional network of fellow preceptors. Learn more at the Preceptor Resource Network webpage. 

With such an emphasis on collaboration at GVSU and at KCON, it is no surprise the number and type of partnerships continue to growing, adding to the many unique opportunities for KCON Students. Some of the incubators for these new and developing partnerships include: 

• By Supporting KCON Faculty Research 
• In Collaboration with Other GVSU Colleges 
• Through KCON Centers and Collaborates

These opportunities and others enrich an already comprehensive education to help prepare future Laker Nurses for the ways they will work with others to help transform health care!