Nursing

San Francisco — May 4, 2026 — Sutter’s CPMC, part of Sutter Health, and San Francisco State University (SFSU) today announced a milestone in their partnership to advance pediatric nursing education through a $200,000 Sutter Health investment. The funding supports a new, fully equipped pediatric simulation room on the SFSU campus designed to strengthen hands-on training for future nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through the collaboration, graduates are expected to enter pediatric units better prepared, potentially reducing onboarding time and improving early-career readiness for employers like Sutter and others across the region. 

The new initiative builds on a successful academic-clinical collaboration between Sutter’s CPMC and SFSU that began in 2024 to expand clinical placements for nursing students, an effort which allowed the university to increase enrollment in its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program by 25%.

“We are grateful to Sutter Health for their investment in our pediatric simulation lab. This partnership strengthens how we prepare our nursing students by giving them access to realistic pediatric training environments earlier in their education,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “It expands what is possible within nursing education and ensures our graduates are ready to serve the needs of patients and families as they transition from learning into practice.”

“As nursing students transition into real-world care, Sutter Health aims to give them every advantage through training that aligns with the clinically excellent standards of our hospital units,” said Hollie Seeley, CEO of Sutter’s CPMC. “We are pleased to see the deepening of our partnership with SFSU and the ability for both our organizations to invest in the future of nursing through innovative, workforce-focused education.”

“It’s exciting to see a simulation space like this come to life and be put into practice,” said Lauren O’Neill, chief nurse executive at Sutter’s CPMC. “Exposure to complex pediatric scenarios is critical for nurses who want to work in these settings — even in a simulated environment. This type of immersive training at SFSU, made possible by Sutter Health, will also help address local and regional workforce needs by strengthening the pipeline of nurses who are confident in their pediatric care skills. We are grateful to the faculty and leadership at SFSU who saw this need and worked with us to make it a reality for this next generation of nurse caregivers.”

“Exposure to complex pediatric scenarios is critical for nurses who want to work in these settings — even in a simulated environment. This type of immersive training at SFSU, made possible by Sutter Health, will also help address local and regional workforce needs by strengthening the pipeline of nurses who are confident in their pediatric care skills.”

—Lauren O’Neill, chief nurse executive at Sutter’s CPMC

Master of Social Work program

The Master of Social Work program was awarded a $5.3 million grant from the California Office of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) to grow our program and keep MSW graduates working in California, and HCAI alumni are stepping into the world with degrees in hand and a lot less debt and stress thanks to $25,000 stipends that helped cover the cost of earning a master’s degree. In return, the graduates have committed to one year in a behavioral health setting, serving California’s most vulnerable populations.

Over the past few months, graduates accepted roles in settings as diverse as major hospitals, nonprofits, and even international organizations. In these impactful roles, HCAI-supported graduates are addressing mental health access, systemic inequality, child protection, housing insecurity, and more. What sets them apart is a deep understanding of both theory and practice — years of intensive coursework, internship placements, and community-based learning have prepared them to lead with empathy, strategy, and resilience.

Faculty, field instructors, and community partners have mentored this next generation of social work leaders whose success reflects the very best of what social work can be: bold, compassionate, and transformative.

Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism (RPT)

Dozens of RPT students received departmental scholarships to recognize their outstanding leadership and achievement. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making these opportunities possible, especially those who supported the Dr. Nina Roberts Memorial Scholarship campaign, which continues RPT professor Dr. Roberts’ inspiring legacy of education and advocacy for equitable access to parks and other natural spaces.

RPT alumni continue to be an essential part of the department’s story — mentoring students, serving on advisory boards, hosting mixers, guest speaking in our classrooms and sharing job opportunities through LinkedIn and emails.

We’re also grateful for our many partners who help bring learning to life, both on- and off-campus. Collaborations with Campus Recreation, Student Affairs, Outward Bound, California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) and CalTravel continue to provide SFSU students with valuable hands-on experiences. Special thanks go to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for offering meaningful, fully funded internships.

School of Nursing

Thanks to the generosity of donors, $138,000 was awarded to students across our nursing programs. This financial assistance helps offset the high cost of nursing education which includes scrubs, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, books and electronic learning resources, and commuting and parking costs. Donor contributions are truly appreciated by our students, as expressed by one entry-level master’s student who said, “This isn’t just about financial support — it’s about hope, encouragement and the belief that I can succeed. I will carry this generosity with me as I move forward in my education and career, striving to make a meaningful impact in every way I can.”

“This isn’t just about financial support — it’s about hope, encouragement and the belief that I can succeed. I will carry this generosity with me as I move forward in my education and career, striving to make a meaningful impact in every way I can.” —SFSU Nursing student

The School of Nursing is also grateful for its growing partnership with California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). Thanks to this collaboration, 16 SFSU pre-licensure students are able to complete their clinical training at CPMC, enabling the SoN to increase enrollment in its accelerated and traditional BSN programs. These placements have not only provided invaluable hands-on experience, but also the opportunity to interview for new graduate positions. Together, the SoN and CPMC are strengthening the nursing workforce, developing a robust nursing pipeline that’s reflective of a shared commitment to the future of compassionate, skilled care.

SFSU’s partnership with CPMC helped support a new five-month RN refresher course by providing clinical placements for the students. Sixteen licensed nurses, committed to returning to the bedside after being away from nursing for three to 19 years, were each supported by a dedicated CPMC preceptor. Thanks to this collaboration, participants are now eligible to apply for RN positions in Bay Area healthcare facilities. It’s a wonderful example of how our partnership is helping to meet the area’s nursing workforce needs.