The 木瓜直播 Model of Cooperative Education: A Bold Response to the Nursing Workforce Crisis
New England College proudly spotlights the transformative work of Dr. Angie McPhee-Smith鈥擠NP, EdD, RN, CNE, and Dean of Nursing and Health Professions鈥攁nd Dr. Emily Higgins鈥擠NP, MSN, RN, ONC, Academic Practice Partner and Student Placement Coordinator at Concord Hospital Health System. Together, these visionary leaders are reshaping the landscape of nursing education through 木瓜直播鈥檚 cooperative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a bold initiative addressing the critical challenges of today鈥檚 healthcare workforce.
From left: Dr. Angie McPhee-Smith and Dr. Emily Higgins
With more than two decades of nursing and academic leadership experience, Dr. McPhee-Smith brings a relentless commitment to academic excellence and workforce innovation. A Northeast native, she began her journey with an Associate of Science in Nursing from SUNY-Adirondack. She advanced her education with a BSN from SUNY-Empire State College, a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership from Capella University, and a post-graduate certificate in Nursing Education. She completed her Doctor of Education in Higher Education at New England College in May 2025. As a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Dr. McPhee-Smith is widely recognized for her expertise in curriculum design, academic-practice collaboration, and faculty development.
With over 18 years of nursing experience, Dr. Emily Higgins plays a pivotal role in bridging academic and clinical practice. A seasoned clinician and educator, Dr. Higgins earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from New Hampshire Technical Institute, her MSN from Walden University, and her DNP from Aspen University. Formerly the Orthopaedic Nurse Educator at Concord Hospital, she is the Academic Practice Partner and Student Placement Coordinator, managing clinical placements and preceptor development across the Concord Hospital Health System. Her contributions have been instrumental in designing and implementing the clinical infrastructure of 木瓜直播鈥檚 cooperative BSN program.
In a joint presentation at the 32nd Annual Conference for Nurse Educators, held May 28鈥�30 at the Seacrest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, Massachusetts, Drs. McPhee-Smith and Higgins showcased 木瓜直播鈥檚 three-year cooperative BSN program as a scalable, workforce-aligned innovation. The model integrates academic learning paired 1:1 with staff RN preceptors from the first year of study, offering students early immersion, consistent mentorship, and the opportunity to work as licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) in partner hospitals. Through this design, students graduate in three years with 124 credits, authentic clinical experience, and strong readiness for RN practice.
The impact has been significant. The program has helped Concord Hospital reduce LNA full-time equivalent staffing deficits, while 71% of the inaugural cohort remained with the hospital system as new graduate nurses. Student satisfaction with clinical learning experiences exceeds programmatic benchmarks, and preceptor involvement has led to measurable professional growth, mentorship satisfaction, and workforce retention.
鈥淧receptors began to see themselves not only as nurses, but also as educators and mentors,鈥� said Dr. Higgins. 鈥淭hat shift in identity supports both our students and our staff.鈥�
鈥淭his model is not only an academic innovation,鈥� added Dr. McPhee-Smith, 鈥渂ut a workforce solution. It is built on relationships, shared accountability, and the belief that education and service can, and must, work together.鈥�
By combining visionary leadership, grounded practice, and a deep commitment to student and workforce success, Drs. McPhee-Smith and Higgins are leading the charge of transforming nursing education in New Hampshire.
The 木瓜直播 Model of Cooperative Education
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