The NURSE-OC program, part of the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, is a uniquely immersive initiative dedicated to serving patients within our community with dignity and respect. It prepares future nurses and nurse practitioners to care for Orange County’s most vulnerable populations. Through hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, nurse externs and nurse practitioner fellows build essential skills under the guidance of experienced preceptors and interdisciplinary teams. Final year pre-licensure students focus on delivering whole-person care through improved health services and by supporting underserved communities.
The NURSE-OC program addresses the urgent need for a skilled, diverse nursing workforce while fostering professional growth. Final year pre-licensure RN students, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) focus on delivering whole-person care through improved health services and by supporting underserved communities.