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Investing in the Future of Health Care: VNA Care’s Clinical Affiliations Program

At VNA Care, our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality home health, palliative, and hospice care extends beyond the patients we serve today — it includes preparing the next generation of health care professionals to care for our community.

Through our Clinical Affiliations Program, VNA Care partners with leading colleges and universities to offer students real-world, hands-on learning experiences that shape their clinical skills and deepen their understanding of home-based health care.

Students from institutions such as Boston College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, UMass Chan Medical School, and others are matched with experienced clinicians at VNA Care, where they become part of a team delivering vital care in patients’ homes. These experiences are more than just clinical training — they are transformative moments for students as they see the impact they can make in people’s lives.

Adam Frange, RN, MSN, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, completed a hospice rotation with VNA Care while earning his master’s in nursing from Boston College. Adam was paired with Nancy Borgatti-Krouse, Hospice RN Case Manager, who guided him through the nuances of end-of-life care. “She was amazing,” Adam shared. His clinical rotation progressed from observation to hands-on care, and, under Nancy’s supervision, he checked patients’ vital signs, conducted patient interviews, and assisted with other aspects of patient care.

More than skill-building, the experience profoundly impacted Adam’s outlook on care. “The rotation at VNA Care can fundamentally change your whole perspective on life and shift your entire paradigm. It’s such an amazing learning opportunity.” Following patients over time, he explained, gave him insight into the full arc of care — a perspective that will inform his approach no matter where his career takes him.

Angela Sharra, RN, BSN, a recent nursing graduate from Boston College, completed her clinical rotation in home health under the guidance of Kim Misner, RN. “She was awesome,” Angela said. “She allowed me to provide hands-on care and helped me build my confidence as a student nurse.”

Under Kim’s guidance, Angela conducted vital sign checks and assisted with wound care and other procedures. Angela also had the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with patients coping with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis — diagnoses she had only studied in textbooks. “It was eye-opening,” she said. “The experience expanded my view of what nursing can look like. I saw firsthand how home health nurses act as both caregivers and advocates for their patients.”

The Clinical Affiliations Program is also deeply rewarding for VNA Care’s clinicians, who serve as preceptors. According to Michele Rosenthal, Director of Education and Professional Development, many preceptors feel honored to contribute to the growth of a future nurse or therapist. “They’re thankful for the opportunity to give back,” she noted.