Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses: Inside Prime Healthcare’s Culture of Education
At Prime Healthcare, the commitment to quality patient care goes hand-in-hand with a dedication to fostering an educational culture that supports and uplifts every healthcare professional. Central to this mission is PrimE Academy, a cutting-edge, virtual, on-demand educational platform offering our healthcare professionals a dynamic, accessible way to deepen their knowledge, hone their skills, and feel confident in providing the best possible care.
Prime Healthcare’s Corporate Director of Education, Grace Carcich, believes that education and mentorship are at the heart of patient-centered care. “At Prime, we believe in fostering an environment where every clinician feels supported, encouraged, and continuously inspired,” explains Grace. “PrimE Academy is an essential part of that vision, helping us build a culture of learning, inclusivity, and growth that empowers staff and ultimately enhances patient care.”
Along with PrimE Academy, Prime Healthcare utilizes regional educators to lead initiatives that prioritize development, beginning as early as the onboarding process. Lindzi Tice, Regional Director of Education at Pampa Regional Medical Center, says, “We work hard to standardize our orientation program to ensure consistency across our facilities, but we also make it customizable. We recognize that every new nurse has unique needs and challenges, and our local educators can tailor new-hire orientation to fit those needs.” For Lindzi, standardization isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about creating a foundation that ensures every clinician, regardless of location, has access to the resources and support they need.
For Nicole Weston, a former nurse transitioning to a role as a Clinical Educator, the PrimeE Academy reignited her passion for the field. “Working alongside the entire education team, I felt like I was making a real difference, helping our nurses on the floor rediscover their confidence and sense of purpose. Happier nurses lead to happier patients, and that’s something I’m proud to contribute to every day.”
Nicole sees the positive impacts of PrimE Academy on staff retention and morale, too. “In just six months, we’ve retained all our new grads, which speaks volumes about the support our teams and PrimE Academy provides. It’s so fulfilling to see them thrive and feel excited about their futures here.”
Rachel Hayes, another Clinical Educator, echoes Nicole’s sentiment. Rachel notes that mentorship and continuous learning are essential for maintaining high morale, especially when it comes to guiding new nurses through their first years on the floor. “We encourage our new nurses to ask for help, and we emphasize teamwork from day one,” Rachel says. “There’s a real strength in numbers and knowing they’re part of a team with a shared purpose helps our nurses feel valued and motivated.”
PrimE Academy’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities and patient care has also received outside attention as well. National organization such as Becker’s Hospital Review recently named Prime Healthcare as one of the top health systems for simulation and education programs, thanks in part to the innovative approach of PrimE Academy. This recognition speaks to Prime Healthcare’s commitment to equipping its professionals with the best possible resources to foster both individual and organizational growth.
Katarina “Kathy” Trehey, Regional Director of Education at Providence Medical Center further elaborated on how PrimE Academy helps bridge educational gaps across the organization’s nationwide network.
“New nurses often enter the field with strong task-oriented skills but may struggle to grasp the ‘why’ behind their actions,” she says. “PrimE Academy allows us to fill in those gaps. We bring together the theoretical knowledge they learned in nursing school with real-world applications, helping them see the full picture of patient care.”
Katarina’s mentorship goes beyond technical knowledge. She fosters confidence and independence, encouraging new nurses to lean on their educators for support and seek guidance when challenges arise.
“We want our staff to feel empowered to ask questions, to understand that it’s okay to seek support. PrimE Academy exists to help them overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive.”
Through PrimE Academy and the collective efforts of dedicated educators like Grace, Lindzi, Rachel, Nicole, and Kathy, Prime Healthcare not only ensures high standards of care but also creates a nurturing environment for its healthcare professionals. Prime’s educational initiatives prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of its clinical staff, actively supporting professional development.
As Grace sums up, “Education at Prime is not just about clinical skills; it’s about building a culture of compassion, resilience, and teamwork. We know that when we support our staff, we’re ultimately ensuring the best possible care for our patients. And that’s the heart of our mission.”
Prime Healthcare’s dedication to cultivating a supportive, engaging learning environment through PrimE Academy underscores the organization’s commitment to exceptional care and continuous improvement. In addition, this commitment to quality care through education and support ensures that clinical teams feel empowered, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges of modern healthcare. By investing in its people, Prime is making a lasting impact—not only on the lives of its dedicated staff, but also on the patients and communities the organization is proud to serve.