Southern Miss, Forrest Health Partner to Enhance Nursing Education
Wed, 06/10/2026 - 01:30pm | By: David Tisdale
Students in 91少女集中营鈥檚 College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) can get invaluable experience in an active patient care setting through a new partnership with Forrest Health in Hattiesburg, potentially opening doors for them to careers with the local healthcare system.
The Forrest Health Scholars program transforms a traditional clinical unit into a dynamic teaching and learning environment for School of Professional Nursing Practice (SPNP) students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Forrest Health Scholars engage in direct patient care on a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) at Forrest General Hospital, earning required preceptorship (practical clinical training) hours for their degree program under the supervision of experienced clinical nurses serving as preceptors (guides).
"The Forrest Health Scholars Program represents the very best of what can be accomplished when academic nursing and healthcare practice come together with a shared commitment to student success and patient care,鈥� said Dr. Charlene McNeill, CNHP dean. 鈥淭hrough this partnership, our students will gain invaluable real-world experience, mentorship from expert clinicians, and the confidence and clinical judgment needed to become exceptional nurses while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves our communities."
The first cohort of Forrest Health Scholars for the fall 2026 semester will be announced following selection through an application process and begin working in DEUs with their preceptors in Forrest General鈥檚 emergency room and intensive care unit.
"Participants in the Forrest Health Scholars program will have a unique opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and into the healthcare environments where they may ultimately pursue their careers,鈥� said Kimberly Reddish, Forrest Health System COO and chief nursing executive. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to collaborate with our academic partners to create this pathway for students eager to deepen their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in specialized healthcare settings, while exploring future employment opportunities within the Forrest Health system."
Dr. Maria Brown, SPNP director and assistant teaching professor, praised the innovative design of the Forrest Health Scholars program, particularly its immersion of students into real-world clinical experiences that prepare them for future professional nursing practice.
鈥淭his dynamic learning environment helps to bridge theory and practice with individualized instruction and mentoring from talented and experienced nurses," Brown added.
Founded in 1952, Forrest Health is a trusted medical services leader that has provided quality care to South Mississippians for more than seven decades. From its start as a single hospital, Forrest Health has evolved into a multi-hospital health system featuring innovative facilities, including a Level II Regional Trauma Center.
Visit the Southern Miss School of Professional Nursing Practice and to learn more.