Kilgore College and CHRISTUS Health have launched the Nursing WORKS Initiative, an innovative workforce development partnership designed to address the growing nursing shortage in East Texas while expanding opportunities for nursing students to gain clinical experience, professional mentorship and workforce readiness.
Supported by the Aspen Institute and the Trellis Foundation, the initiative offers qualified nursing students the opportunity to apply for participation in a clinical education model that combines employment, mentorship and hands-on learning. Students selected for the initiative may have the opportunity to earn income while completing clinical experiences, helping reduce financial barriers to nursing education while strengthening their transition from student to professional nurse.
Unlike traditional clinical education models, in which students rotate through multiple nurses during short-term clinical assignments, Nursing WORKS participants are paired with dedicated nurse preceptors for extended clinical experiences. The model allows students and preceptors to work together throughout the semester, fostering professional relationships while developing clinical judgment, critical thinking, confidence and workforce readiness.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment between KC and CHRISTUS Health to strengthen the healthcare workforce in East Texas by enhancing clinical education and creating pathways from nursing education to employment.
“The Nursing WORKS Initiative creates opportunities for nursing students to gain meaningful clinical experience while earning income and learning alongside experienced nurse preceptors,” said Dr. Sheri Gillis, interim dean of Health Sciences at KC. “This partnership helps reduce barriers for students while strengthening the pipeline of highly qualified nurses needed to serve East Texas communities.”
Participation in the Nursing WORKS Initiative is competitive and not guaranteed. Interested nursing students must apply and be selected for the program while continuing to meet all KC nursing program and clinical requirements.
“We believe the future of healthcare depends on creating integrated and accessible pathways for students to succeed,” said Dr. Cari Lidgett, associate chief nursing officer for CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. “Through the Nursing WORKS Initiative, CHRISTUS is providing a more personal and reliable learning experience, pairing students with dedicated mentors and real world opportunities that prepare them to deliver exceptional care.”
As part of the initiative, KC is seeking qualified applicants for a Nursing WORKS Program Coordinator position.
The coordinator will serve as the primary liaison between KC, CHRISTUS Health, nursing students and nurse preceptors, coordinating program activities, facilitating communication among stakeholders, monitoring program outcomes and supporting the successful implementation of the initiative.
Additional information about the Program Coordinator position and application instructions are available by visiting www.kilgore.edu/HR and clicking “View Job Openings.”
About CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.