Associate Dean of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing Lisa Rebeschi explained that the collaboration will benefit each of the organizations as students will gain valuable experience while they help supply the high demand of perioperative nurses.

“Students across all four years of the nursing program are able to benefit from this partnership. They have the opportunity to learn about the specialty from experts,” Rebeschi said. “For the organization, this collaboration provides an opportunity for meeting workforce needs and enhancing the readiness for practice in the specialty.”

First- and second-year students will have the opportunity to participate in career development workshops and experiential learning activities with the Hartford Healthcare staff while upperclassmen will have access to more advanced workshops, networking opportunities, fellowships and capstone rotations.

The collaboration has seen great success since its inception as Rebeschi explained that nearly all alumni looking for employment have secured professional RN positions at major health care systems.

Manager of the Perioperative Professional Development team Sara Hirx, MSN, RN, CNOR, said that students who may find a passion for perioperative nursing during their time with Hartford Healthcare have large opportunities after graduation.

“Quinnipiac students bring their strong foundational nursing knowledge and skills to Hartford HealthCare’s clinical practice areas,” said Hirx. “We have seen success in hiring former fellows as new graduates in the operating room.”

Quinnipiac and Hartford Healthcare hope to inspire students to pursue perioperative nursing could work toward filling vacancies in hospitals across the nation.