Nurse Externship Students SOAR to Graduation

SOAR (Seeking Opportunities, Aspirations and Results) is our nurse extern program. Selected nursing students attend our extern academy and professional development sessions in summer or winter and receive didactic and skills training that build their competencies as caregivers in the hospital setting. They work alongside nurses and get real-life experience caring for patients.

SOAR has three main goals:

• Build confidence
• Get nurses ready to practice
• Offer nurses a place to build their career

In the last year, 36 externs who graduated were hired into our Carilion family as nurse residents. 

On Friday, July 29, 19 students graduated from the summer SOAR program (graduated nursing school) and 34 graduated on their way to their senior year of study. This year’s students worked at eight different facilities in our organization. 

“Offering this educational program to nursing students and then having them join us makes our patient care that much better,” said Kristin Crouse, director of our Transition to Nursing program. “Those relationships built during the externship carry on with them as they become valued members of our Carilion family.”

Executive Vice President Jeanne Armentrout addressed the students at the graduation event and encouraged them to never stop learning and never stop caring.

“You are now better prepared for the next phase of your education or your first nursing job,” she said. “Continue to be curious. Never hesitate to ask a question; challenge the status quo. Be courageous and listen to your intuition. Take risks and take on new opportunities when they are offered to you.”

Chief Nursing Officer Meg Scheaffel said she “supports a progressive and innovative learning and working environment" and is grateful and excited see the inaugural graduate’s transition into practice at Carilion.

If you know someone who would be interested in the SOAR program, reach out to Kristin Crouse, Nursing Professional Practice, at klcrouse@carilionclinic.org.