McLeod Health Partners in Nursing Education Programs

Contributions to Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University
It helps to ensure nurses for the region.

Philanthropy Gerald and Toni Derrick along with President Dr. Fred Carter and Lauren Stanton, VP of Institutional Advancement presented a donation to Frances Marion University’s nursing program.

As a partner in nursing education for the region, McLeod Health has made ongoing contributions to two area nursing schools. Support for these important educational offerings is again reflected in this year’s $75,000 gift to Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) and Francis Marion University (FMU) to maintain their nursing programs.

Nursing represents the nation’s largest health care profession and the largest component of the hospital workforce. In the year By 2030, South Carolina will be one of four states with a nursing shortage of more than 10,000, according to an analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More nurses are needed to care for older people, who typically have more medical problems than younger people.

Chief Nursing Officer Tony Derrick said: “Demand for healthcare services is increasing for a number of reasons: supply and demand struggles due to the Covid pandemic, a national shortage of nurses and an increasing number of older babies.” for McLeod Regional Medical Center. “As a result, more nurses are needed to educate and care for patients. That’s why it’s so important to McLeod that Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University continue to educate nurses.”

According to Derek, nurses play an important role in the delivery of quality health care.

“McLeod recognizes the tremendous value that a nurse brings to patient care,” says Derek. “Providing patient support, promoting a safe environment, participating in shaping health policies, and patient education are key nursing roles.”

Because nurses are important to health care and the regional economy, this area is fortunate to have nursing education programs in Florence at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University.

Florence-Darlington Technical College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that allows students to prepare for Registered Nurse (RN) boards in five semesters.

FMU’s Department of Nursing offers a full range of nursing programs including BSN, RN to BSN, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

“FDTC is always excited to partner with McLeod,” said Dr. Jermaine Ford, president of Florence-Darlington Technical College. “This generous gift will benefit both students and our community by allowing us to continue to provide quality education to students pursuing a career in nursing.”

FMU President Dr. Fred Carter called McLeod’s latest contribution an important part of an important and ongoing partnership.

“McLeod is the longest continuous contributor to nursing scholarship at Francis Marion University,” Carter said. This generous donation is just one aspect of our partnership. McLeod offers our students clinical opportunities in the health sciences, and most importantly: hires many of our graduates. McLeod has been one of our strongest partners in this community, certainly in the 23 years I’ve been here, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Derek added: “The relationship and funding of Allied Health Nursing Education is important to McLeod and our community. “With qualified nurses as part of the medical team, McLeod is able to fulfill its mission of providing quality healthcare to patients throughout the region.”