When Kenisha Messam unexpectedly became a single mother of three, she knew she needed stability, but her former job left her unheard and uncertain. After joining Hartford HealthCare as a quality performance improvement specialist, she began to rebuild her confidence and set her sights on a career in nursing.

“I didn't know how I was going to become a nurse or even attend school while working a 9-to-5 job,” said Messam. “I was at a crossroads. I just knew I couldn't quit my job.”

Balancing both felt impossible — until a surprising email from her director provided the path forward she needed. Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University were launching a new program, one she calls an “answered prayer.”

“When I received that life-changing email, I sat at my desk and cried,” said Messam. “I am a true testament of the pillars of Hartford HealthCare, like equity, which provided this opportunity to advance my life and create a better future, not just for me, but for my children. And integrity, because I work for a company that holds true to their commitment …. And I want to express my gratitude to those at Quinnipiac University and Hartford HealthCare for the opportunity to start this new journey.”

The program was officially launched with a press event on Tuesday, April 1, at Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation with state, local and partner representatives in attendance to celebrate this transformative new collaboration. Speaking as a representative of the program’s first cohort, Messam will start her journey to becoming a nurse as a member of the NCN inaugural class of 17 students.

Cheryl Ficara, RN, MS, NEA-BC, Hartford Hospital president and Hartford HealthCare senior vice president, welcomed attendees to Tuesday’s NCN launch announcement and highlighted the critical need for a strong nursing workforce. She emphasized the program’s role in providing hands-on training and career opportunities, particularly for professionals looking to make a mid-career transition into nursing.

“Nursing is truly a calling… and that calling does not always happen at the beginning of your academic endeavor,” said Ficara. “As a nurse myself, I understand the importance of the strong knowledge base that will be connected with Quinnipiac as our hands-on foundation for what I believe to be the most honorable profession.”

This part-time, two-year program is tailored for qualified Hartford HealthCare colleagues who hold a bachelor’s degree or have at least 60 transferable college credits. Participants will continue their employment part-time while attending classes at HHC’s Hartford facility, balancing work and education to advance their careers. 

Jeffrey A. Flaks, president and chief executive officer of Hartford HealthCare, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Quinnipiac, calling it an “imaginative partnership, a new way to think differently” about how to address the nursing shortage. Flaks noted that the new program will create innovative pathways for career advancement, meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, and transform professional lives while also serving the community.

"I am incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Quinnipiac University," said Flaks. “This latest collaboration demonstrates our commitment to further growth and development among our colleagues. This partnership solidifies our dedication to investing in the future and opens doors to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all." 

Affordable and Accessible Education 

Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University are each making a significant investment so the cost to individual students will be minimal. 

Judy Olian, Quinnipiac University president, highlighted the strength of the university’s partnership with Hartford HealthCare, describing it as a collaboration built on trust and shared innovation.

“We’re gratified that we can help address the state’s workforce needs — in this case dire nursing shortages across Connecticut,” said Olian. “This is a novel approach — taking those already working in healthcare and then upskilling them through Quinnipiac’s outstanding BSN program, in partnership with Hartford HealthCare’s exceptional experiential learning opportunities. It’s a win all around.” 

Hartford HealthCare will support the cost of the two-year program, including providing stipends for expenses such as books, uniforms and lab supplies, and Quinnipiac University will substantially discount the tuition. The program is designed so that students will work at HHC further offsetting the cost of participation.  

Hartford Mayor and Quinnipiac alum Arunan Arulampalam, JD ’14, addressed attendees on behalf of the city and spoke about the critical need for a strong healthcare workforce and emphasized the city’s role as a hub for higher education and healthcare innovation.

“We are so proud to plant a Bobcat flag here in the city of Hartford. It is an incredible thing in this economy to be creating a pipeline for the workforce of the future here in a city that is ready for the healthcare jobs that we so desperately need,” said Arulampalam. “I’m so proud to welcome you into the city of Hartford and welcome this partnership that is innovative and forward-thinking, just like everything that comes out of Quinnipiac and Hartford HealthCare.”

The program’s development was catalyzed by a Connecticut Health Horizon’s grant through the State’s Office of Workforce Strategies.  

During his remarks, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon praised the partnership between Quinnipiac and Hartford HealthCare as a model for strengthening Connecticut’s healthcare system and economy. Scanlon underscored the lasting return on investment from training and retaining healthcare professionals, noting that initiatives like this will have a far-reaching impact on the state's future.

“This is a really special day for not just these two incredible institutions, but for Connecticut because we are in the midst of a crisis when it comes to nursing across the United States,” said Scanlon. “We are coming up with the solution here, in Hartford, in Connecticut, and that is something that, as the comptroller, as a statewide elected official, I'm just incredibly proud of…this is the effort that will make a difference in the lives of the people of this state.”

Program Highlights

The NCN program spans approximately 24 months, with the first cohort expected to graduate in May 2027. Students will follow a part-time schedule of two days per week, attending classes one day for eight hours and clinicals/labs another day for 12 hours each week. Classes will be held on-site at Hartford Hospital’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI), with some hybrid courses.

“This program provides a path for those who seek an affordable high-quality nursing education that flexibly accommodates employment while pursuing the degree,” said Quinnipiac Provost Debra Liebowitz. “This collaboration with Hartford HealthCare exemplifies our dedication to educating the healthcare workforce of Connecticut and the region.” 

Clinical rotations will take place within Hartford HealthCare’s network, including Hartford Hospital, ensuring hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. Eligible graduates who pass the NCLEX and become registered nurses will be extended an offer for a full-time RN position at Hartford HealthCare, fulfilling a vital role in patient care.

Building the Future of Healthcare 

The NCN program demonstrates Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to career advancement and workforce development while addressing the growing shortage of qualified nurses. It also highlights Quinnipiac University's leadership in innovative nursing education.

Before welcoming Kanisha Messam to the podium, Larry Slater, dean of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing, talked about how the program removes barriers to mid-career transitions by providing the opportunity to work, retain benefits, support themselves and their families, all while pursuing their nursing degree over a two-year period.

“The benefit also is that upon completion of their degree, these students are already embedded solidly into the Hartford HealthCare Foundation and can seamlessly transition into their nursing role,” said Slater. “This program is but one example of the impact of our partnership with Hartford HealthCare and the impact it has on the health of Connecticut communities. And we're excited as we continue to explore additional innovative ways to serve and impact nursing in our state.”

To be eligible for future cohorts, applicants must: 

• Have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than nursing or at least 60 transferable college credits that meet Quinnipiac's general education requirements.

• Meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better.