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To address complications associated with providing nursing students with clinical experience in an efficient and safe manner, two professors from The University of Scranton’s Nursing Department have piloted a Clinical Liaison Nursing Program with Mercy Health Partners.

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Participants in a continuing study of the Clinical Liaison Nursing Program are, seated from left: Mercy Clinical Liaison Nurses Victoria Crawford, Nicole Kovalchek, Laura Murray, Ann Shaffer, Carmel Candelori, and Cindy Stone, also a graduate student at Scranton. Standing: Mercy’s chief nursing officer Pat DeiTos; University of Scranton nursing students Lindsay Doroba, Amy Gonglik, Julia Haddon, Stephanie Iovino, Elizabeth Gorge, Anne Meinsen, Elissa Konjarvich, Stacey Castro, Christine Bonasera, Mary Goggins, Laura Skoronski, Kelly Capece and Amanda McCarthy; and University of Scranton nursing professors Dr. Cathy Lovecchio and Dr. Sharon Hudacek.

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In conjunction with Mercy, Sharon Hudacek, Ed.D., of Moosic, professor of nursing, and Catherine Lovecchio, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit, assistant professor of nursing, developed the program, which has proven to be highly beneficial to both sides.

“The goal of this innovative clinical-academic partnership is to enhance the clinical learning and critical thinking skills of The University of Scranton’s undergraduate nursing students in an acute care setting,” said Dr. Lovecchio.

Expert nurses employed by Mercy work as clinical liaisons with Scranton faculty and students. The collaboration helps address a growing concern among those in nursing education of providing clinical opportunities to fulfill the core competencies while ensuring safe and quality patient care.

“We’re educating new nurses in a very complex clinical environment in a much safer model,” said Dr. Hudacek of the program.

The results have been positive for the students and for Mercy. “The nurses at Mercy have always been great,” said Dr. Lovecchio. “The partnership has been effective because both parties bring something unique. Mercy Health Partners brings clinical expertise and The University of Scranton adds a strong academic and research element. The Clinical Liaison Nursing Program has been a total win-win for both.”

The University of Scranton is currently funding a full study of the program.