MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — The WVU School of Nursing and the Monongalia County Health Department are excited to announce a new collaboration to support local nurses in advancing their professional education.
Through this partnership, five nurses from Monongalia County will receive scholarships to complete the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course over the next year. This initiative aims to enhance the healthcare services provided within the community where faith and health intersect.
The Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course is a comprehensive program designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge to integrate faith and health in their practice. It prepares nurses to take on roles that combine spiritual care with health education and disease prevention, making them valuable assets in their communities. The course is offered entirely online, with the next session beginning in September 2024. There is still time for interested nurses to register and join this transformative program.
Jennifer Goldcamp, a nurse with the Monongalia County Health Department, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity created by the grant funding through the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) that will help cover the costs of these scholarships.
"Receiving this grant funding is a significant step forward in our mission to support West Virginia nurses in their ongoing education,” Goldcamp said. “By participating in the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course, nurses will be better equipped to serve the diverse needs of our community, particularly in areas like vaccine education and outreach."
By leveraging their unique position within both the healthcare system and faith communities, these nurses can help bridge the gap between public health initiatives and community trust. This collaboration between the WVU School of Nursing and the Monongalia County Health Department is a proactive step toward empowering nurses to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing our communities today.
“Faith community nurses have the potential to play a crucial role in improving educational offerings related to vaccines, especially in communities where vaccine hesitancy may be prevalent,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Faith Community Nursing Program Director at the WVU School of Nursing.
For more information about the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course or to register for the upcoming session in September, please visit the WVU School of Nursing website. This is a valuable opportunity for nurses looking to expand their role in community health and make a lasting impact on the well-being of their neighbors.
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