Pathways to Nursing

Helping young people in New Hanover County build meaningful careers in healthcare.

At Better Is Possible, we believe that every young person deserves a real chance to thrive — and that strong communities grow when we invest in our youth. Our Pathways to Nursing program helps young people ages 12–23 explore healthcare careers, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence through mentorship, training, and real-world support.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a nurse, wants to understand how hospitals work, or is just curious about the healthcare field, Pathways to Nursing opens doors to opportunity — and shows them that healthcare is for people like them.

What the Program Offers

Nurse Camp Academy

Our 8-day Nurse Camp introduces youth to healthcare careers in a fun, supportive, and hands-on way. Participants learn CPR and first aid, practice real skills using medical mannequins, and spend time shadowing professionals in hospitals and clinics. Each camp session provides 16 hours of training, offered through three yearly cohorts plus a special summer program hosted at Davis Health.

Mentoring That Lasts

After camp, participants are matched with healthcare mentors — nurses, technicians, and other professionals — who offer guidance, encouragement, and insight. Mentors help youth set goals, prepare for interviews, and understand what it takes to succeed in healthcare.

Ongoing Case Management

For youth ready to take the next step, our case managers provide deeper, one-on-one support. That might mean helping with transportation, connecting them to certification programs, or finding their first paid healthcare job. We walk beside each participant as they move toward independence and success.

Why Pathways Matters

New Hanover County faces a growing need for skilled, diverse healthcare workers. At the same time, many local families are working hard to make ends meet, and young people often don’t have access to the networks or resources that make career dreams possible.

Pathways to Nursing bridges that gap. Our program focuses especially on youth from families eligible or nearly eligible for SNAP benefits — those who show the drive and talent but need more support to succeed. By giving them mentors, training, and real-world connections, we help them see themselves in healthcare and make steady progress toward careers that can support both them and their families.

Real Impact

When asked what they gained from the program, our participants said things like:

“Before Nurse Camp, I didn’t know much about nursing. Now I know I could save somebody’s life.”

“I used to drive by the hospital and wonder what went on inside. Now I can say, ‘I know what they’re doing.’”

We’ve seen graduates go on to earn certifications, enroll in college, and begin working in local healthcare settings. These are not just jobs — they’re steps toward stability, confidence, and leadership. Every young person who joins Pathways to Nursing leaves with new skills, new mentors, and a clearer vision of what’s possible.

Our Partners

Pathways to Nursing is made possible through collaboration with local schools, community organizations, and healthcare institutions including Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, The Davis Community, Cape Fear Community College, and UNC Wilmington. Together, we’re building a homegrown healthcare workforce that reflects the community it serves.

Join Us

If you’re a parent or guardian who wants to help your child explore healthcare careers, we’d love to hear from you. Because when young people see a path — and the community walks it with them — better is always possible.