Eight-week immersive experience helps strengthen healthcare workforce pipeline in Northern Virginia
(Woodbridge, Va.) – Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) recently celebrated the successful completion of its 2026 Student Nurse Apprentice Program (SNAP), reinforcing Sentara’s commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals and building a strong workforce pipeline for the communities it serves.
The intensive eight week summer program provides nursing students entering their senior year of nursing school with hands-on clinical experience, one-on-one mentorship, and exposure to a variety of healthcare settings before they begin their final academic year.
The structure of the program at SNVMC is built on an apprenticeship model, each participant is paired with a dedicated registered nurse preceptor and gains firsthand experience caring for patients alongside interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
“As healthcare organizations across the nation work to address workforce challenges, programs like SNAP are critical investments in the future of nursing,” said Christy Grabus, MBA/MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Vice President and Northwestern Market Chief Nursing Officer. “By providing meaningful clinical experiences, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, we are helping students build confidence and skills while strengthening the pipeline of compassionate, highly qualified nurses who may one day choose to practice right here in our region.”
By working directly with experienced nurse preceptors, students observe procedures and specialty care areas that often extend beyond what they encounter in nursing school. The program also emphasizes collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and ancillary team members, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the teamwork required to deliver exceptional patient care.
Participants reported increased confidence, valuable clinical exposure, and a stronger connection to the nursing profession as a result of the program. Several students expressed interest in returning to Sentara after graduation, citing the organization’s supportive culture, collaborative environment, and commitment to learning.
The Student Nurse Apprentice Program is one of several initiatives through which Sentara invests in workforce development, clinical education, and the preparation of future healthcare professionals. By creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and explore career pathways within healthcare, Sentara is helping ensure communities throughout Northern Virginia continue to have access to highly skilled caregivers for years to come.
“Our students leave this program with greater confidence, stronger clinical skills, and a clearer vision for their future careers,” Grabus said. “Just as importantly, they leave knowing they are part of a profession dedicated to improving health and making a difference in the lives of others every day.”
The application process for the 2027 SNAP class will begin early 2027.
