Davenport University is expanding opportunities for its nursing students through a partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital that offers a scholarship and a direct path to employment.

The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed this academic year that reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the health care workforce while supporting students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

At the center of the partnership is a scholarship program that provides Davenport nursing students with up to $5,000 per semester for up to four semesters. In return, students commit to working at Mary Free Bed (MFB) for a period following graduation and getting licensed. This creates a win for the student and a win for the hospital.

For Davenport nursing student Jaymie Johnson, the opportunity to reduce a financial burden and a promised job has already made a meaningful impact. She has worked as a nurse technician at Mary Free Bed since graduating high school and discovered the scholarship through postings around the hospital.

“I learned that MFB partnered with Davenport after seeing all the signs MFB had posted around the hospital about potential scholarship opportunities,” Johnson said. “I then decided to apply for the scholarship, which was super easy.”

After submitting a short application, Johnson was invited to interview and soon learned she had been selected.

“This scholarship gave me $5,000 off my last semester of nursing school and additionally covers the cost of signing up for my NCLEX, licensure and fingerprinting,” she said. NCLEX is the National Council Licensure Examination.

The benefits extend beyond financial support. Johnson has already secured her future with the organization. She’ll work at least one year at MFB when she graduates with her RN degree. “On top of all this, they even offered me a day-shift position, and I can still receive sign-on bonuses,” she said.

Johnson described Mary Free Bed as a “hidden gem” and said she hopes other students take advantage of the opportunity.

“I hope for other students to experience the truly unique environment and atmosphere that MFB has to offer,” she said.

The partnership was sparked by Mary Free Bed’s interest in building stronger connections with Davenport’s nursing program and creating meaningful engagement opportunities for students. 

In addition to scholarships, the collaboration includes clinical and leadership rotations, hospital tours, guest lectures and other learning experiences aligned with Davenport’s curriculum.

“These types of partnerships are critical in today’s health care environment,” said Amy Stahley, dean of Davenport University’s College of Health Professions. “They allow our students to reduce financial barriers, gain hands-on experience and step confidently into their careers after graduation.”

Mary Free Bed works closely with Davenport to identify scholarship recipients, provide clinical placement opportunities when possible and pursue employment of graduates who complete the program and pass the NCLEX.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to address ongoing nursing shortages while preparing highly skilled professionals for specialized fields such as rehabilitation care. By combining tuition assistance, real-world experience and employment opportunities, the partnership supports student success while strengthening the regional health care workforce.

“This is about creating opportunity and impact,” Stahley said. “We are helping students succeed while supporting the future of health care in our community.”