Methodist Summer Nurse Fellowship Program builds confidence, belonging and the next generation of nurses

Photo Courtesy: Emily Jessen Photo Co.

For nursing students across the region, the transition from classroom to career can feel exciting and intimidating. 

Methodist Health System’s Summer Nurse Fellowship Program was designed to make that leap not only smoother but also deeply meaningful – offering hands‑on experience and mentorship at hospitals across the health system, as well as a sense of belonging that often shapes where students choose to begin their careers.

Crystal Smith, DNP, NE-BC, a service executive at Methodist Hospital, said the program, in which was created with a clear purpose.

“It’s about helping students begin the transition from nursing school to professional practice,” she said. “It gives them the opportunity to build confidence, explore areas of interest and experience the Methodist culture long before they graduate.”

Now in its third year, the eight‑week fellowship has grown rapidly in reputation and reach. This summer’s cohort consisted of 30 incoming senior nursing students from 11 schools across the region – the program’s largest group yet. 

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It’s also the second year Methodist has partnered with the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), supported through funding provided through recent public health legislation, LB227, to strengthen Nebraska’s nursing workforce pipeline. The partnership allows Methodist to expand opportunities for paid clinical training, which is a major recruitment tool in a competitive healthcare landscape.

Beyond clinical experience

Unlike traditional internships, Methodist’s program blends clinical immersion with weekly professional development sessions. 

Each Friday, fellows come together for learning experiences involving a variety of topics, including wound care, patient coding simulations, end‑of‑life care and grief support. These sessions help students bridge the gap between theory and practice while building relationships with peers from other nursing programs.

According to Smith, it’s all intentional – and it’s what sets the program apart. 

“The fellowship experience is what makes this program different. Students aren’t just gaining clinical experience. They’re learning alongside their peers, sharing perspectives from different specialties and building relationships that will support them throughout their careers.”

Students also gain exposure to leaders and departments across Methodist, reinforcing the system’s collaborative culture. 

“Healthcare is a team sport,” Smith said. “We want students to see how every role and every affiliate work together to deliver exceptional care.”

From student to nurse

For Bryn Taylor, a former fellow who is now a labor and delivery nurse at Methodist Women’s Hospital, the program was pivotal.

Taylor spent her fellowship on the Labor and Delivery Unit at Women’s – an experience that ultimately shaped her career path. 

“I’d had a couple days of labor and delivery clinical before, but it was hard to get a feel for it,” Taylor said. “During the fellowship, I got to dive a little deeper. I loved it.”

Her summer included two clinical shifts each week with a preceptor, plus Friday education days. She recalls simulation scenarios, practicing provider calls and even sessions on helping families navigate grief.

“Being able to start using those nursing skills – that critical thinking and clinical judgment – before the end of nursing school definitely helped,” Taylor said.

Even now, she can point to the defining moments of the program that inspired her to do what she’s doing today.

“I was caring for this awesome family with all boys at home, and this was their last baby,” Taylor explained. “They didn’t know the gender, and they ended up having a girl. Everyone was so happy. They let me be really hands‑on. It was just a really special day.”

The fellowship didn’t only build Taylor’s skills and appreciation for the trade – it also built her confidence and her connection to Methodist. 

“Methodist really cares about their nurses,” she said. “Everyone is so welcoming. I knew this is where I wanted to start my career.”

A pipeline with proven results

The fellowship is already showing strong outcomes. Two‑thirds of last year’s cohort members accepted full‑time nursing positions at Methodist after graduation – many of them students from outside the health system or even out of state.

Although watching former fellows return as new graduate nurses has been one of the most rewarding parts of the fellowship for Smith, the rapid growth of the program has been a most pleasant surprise.

“The reputation it has built among nursing schools is remarkable,” Smith said. “It’s rewarding to see the impact not only on the students but also on the staff who mentor them and take pride in helping shape the next generation of caregivers.”

Strengthening Nebraska’s nursing workforce

The fellowship is supported in part by LB227 – a statewide initiative aimed at addressing nursing shortages by funding clinical training opportunities, simulation tools and hospital‑school partnerships. Through the NHA, Methodist receives reimbursement for up to 10 hours per week for fellows attending Nebraska nursing schools, allowing the system to offer paid clinical experience to all participants.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to retaining talent and building long‑term career pathways in Nebraska. 

“We are committed to continuing this program and building on its success,” Smith said. “As healthcare evolves, we’ll keep looking for new ways to prepare the next generation of nurses while providing an experience that reflects the best of Methodist.”

Shaping careers and community

For Taylor, the fellowship didn’t just prepare her for nursing. It helped her find her place.

Originally from Arizona, she chose to stay in Omaha after college. 

“I love the Midwest,” she said. “The people are so nice, and the fellowship made me want to stay with Methodist.”

Her advice to future fellows is simple: “Give it a try. The experience, the connections, the mentors – it all helps you learn what kind of nurse you want to be.”

As Methodist continues to grow the program, its impact is clear: Confident graduates, strong relationships and a workforce pipeline keep talented nurses right where they want to be.