Assuring Success with a Commitment to Enhance Nurse Diversity (ASCEND)
The ASCEND program is a great example of what makes working at Akron Children’s more than a job for our nurses. ASCEND demonstrates our passion and the commitment we have made toward ensuring that we continue - and build upon - our culture of collaboration, dedication and our commitment to outstanding care for our pediatric patients.
Launched in 2015, ASCEND is our initiative aimed at promoting a more diverse nursing workforce at Akron Children’s. Nursing students from underrepresented groups in nursing apply and complete an interview and job shadow process to join the program.
Facts about Ascend:
- 100% prepaid tuition coverage, including fees for uniforms, supplies and books.
- Designed for nursing students entering their junior or senior year.
- Students can choose to work in unlicensed roles when available or complete a rotational shadow program gaining clinical experience and professional development
- Participants fulfill a two-year commitment post-graduation to Akron Children's
In return, ASCEND provides students with:
- Professional development opportunities
- Hands-on nurse-related activates
- One-on-one mentoring
- Job placement assistance at graduation
