Women & Infants Hospital and Scholars Network have announced the launch of the Women & Infants Hospital Scholars Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving Rhode Island. The program gives nursing students the opportunity to secure employment at Women & Infants Hospital while receiving meaningful support for their student loan debt.
Program Structure And Benefits
Through the Women & Infants Hospital Scholars Program, enrolled nursing students who commit to joining Women & Infants Hospital upon graduation and licensure will receive $45,000 in loan repayment over a three-year period. By significantly reducing the burden of educational debt, the program allows students to focus on developing clinical expertise and building long-term careers in healthcare rather than worrying about finances during their training.
The program is designed not only to provide financial relief, but also to support early engagement, advising, and career planning. Students engage with Women & Infants Hospital professionals throughout their training, ensuring they are supported both academically and professionally as they transition into practice.
Why Rhode Island Needs This Program Now
Rhode Island continues to face growing demand for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, driven by an aging population, rising care needs, and a wave of workforce retirements intensifying pressure on employers and employers. Supporting new nurses as they enter the field is essential to ensuring Rhode Islanders maintain access to safe, high-quality care now and in the future.
"At Women & Infants Hospital, developing the next generation of nursing leaders is one of our highest priorities. Through this program, we're able to support promising students, engage with them early in their education, and strengthen our workforce in ways that help ensure exceptional care for the patients and communities we serve. By supporting students early in their journey, we help shape confident, capable healthcare leaders of the future. This program reflects our belief in strong partnerships that empower learners while making a lasting impact on the communities we care for."
Kim Francis, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Women & Infants Hospital
Local Leadership, Community Impact
The Scholars Network emphasizes local leadership in shaping the program, directly supporting students dedicated to giving back to their communities. Applications are open, and many students have already shown interest in joining the inaugural cohort. To learn more about the Women & Infants Hospital Scholars Program, visit scholars-network.com/womenandinfants.