Capital District Times

For years, the Albany Med Health System has been a training ground for Capital Region nursing students, offering them clinical rotations to develop their skills. The System is now expanding its partnerships with academic institutions to retain talent locally and provide continuous education opportunities for employees.

In September, Russell Sage College, supported by the Albany Med Health System, launched a grant program aimed at encouraging nursing graduates to work in local hospitals. The Russell Sage Nursing Career Start-up Grant offers up to $9,000 to Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates who remain in the area and work at hospitals like Albany Medical Center and others.

Employees of Albany Medical Center benefit from a 30 percent tuition discount on Russell Sage’s Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Those working at Glens Falls Hospital, Columbia Memorial Health, and Saratoga Hospital receive a 10 percent discount on various graduate health care programs offered by the college.

Russell Sage alumna Shahnila Mahmood shared her experience: “My clinicals at Russell Sage were at Albany Med... I got my job here in orthopedics as a new graduate.”

Another graduate, Mikaela Marquez, reflected on her undergraduate experience: “I was able to work as a PCA... which helped me gain more confidence and experience.”

The partnership between Albany Med Health System and Russell Sage also includes employing system nurses as faculty members and offering patient care associate positions while students complete their degrees.

Jason Mouzakes, MD, Executive Vice President of Albany Medical Center said: “Training and supporting the next generation of health care professionals is paramount... By creating and strengthening these academic partnerships... [we] position ourselves as leaders in nursing education.”

Additionally, Albany Medical Center is collaborating with Maria College to establish the Maria College Community Clinic near its emergency department. This clinic will serve as both an educational hub for nursing students and address community health needs. It aims to reduce emergency department overcrowding by providing comprehensive services.

The collaboration with Maria College also extends discounts for employees enrolled in the Grow Our Own program that supports eligible workers aspiring to become registered nurses. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 300 employees have transitioned into registered nurse roles through such partnerships.

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) collaborates with system hospitals not only for nurse education but also paramedic, respiratory, and radiology training programs.

Mouzakes emphasized: “Through these dynamic partnerships... [we] support both the community and our employees by cultivating a highly skilled workforce dedicated to excellence in health care.”