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SSM Health has introduced a new Aspiring Nurse Program to assist nursing graduates in jumpstarting their professional journeys.
Designed in collaboration with Chamberlain University, this initiative is set to bolster the nursing workforce in Oklahoma and other nearby states, addressing the persistent shortage in the field.
Veteran Nurse Leads Effort to Empower Future Professionals
Kerri Bayer, a nurse with 27 years of experience, has spent much of her career caring for critically ill patients in ICU units. She emphasized the critical thinking and communication skills required for nurses to detect even the most subtle changes in a patient’s condition and inform doctors to make timely decisions.
Now stepping into a new role, Bayer is helping lead the Aspiring Nurse Program, which she describes as a transformative opportunity for those entering the profession.
Program Overview: Blending Online Learning with Clinical Experience
The program is designed to be completed in three years and will begin as an online academic pathway. Students will undergo clinical training at SSM Health’s Saint Anthony hospitals and ministries, ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience.
Key highlights include:
- Online academic structure combined with in-person clinical check-offs
- Participation across four states, including support for around 70 students in Oklahoma
- Focus on expanding access to nursing education, especially in underserved regions
Financial Support and Career Opportunities
To make the path to nursing more accessible, the Aspiring Nurse Program provides:
- Tuition assistance to enrolled students
- Student loan repayment support for graduates who commit to working at an SSM Health facility
These benefits are part of a broader mission to remove financial barriers and encourage long-term careers in healthcare.
Addressing the Ongoing Nursing Shortage in Oklahoma
Bayer highlighted the nursing shortage in Oklahoma as a long-standing concern. While academic institutions have worked to expand their capacity, and lawmakers have allocated ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding to support nursing programs, there remain gaps—especially in regions lacking access to higher education.
“We’re working to reach communities that have historically been left out of nursing education,” Bayer explained, stressing the program’s focus on equity and access.
The Aspiring Nurse Program from SSM Health is a timely and essential step in addressing the nursing workforce challenges in Oklahoma and beyond.
By blending flexible learning, financial support, and real-world clinical training, this initiative opens doors for hundreds of future nurses, helping them build strong foundations for impactful careers in healthcare.