Castañer Hospital, EDP University sign deal for nursing internships

The agreement establishes a structured clinical rotation program that allows EDP University nursing students to fulfill their internship requirements at Castañer General Hospital in Lares. Under the agreement, EDP will provide a stipend for each student during their clinical rotation, covering housing, meals and conference facilities. In return, clinical and administrative staff at Castañer will participate in annual continuing education programs for up to 20 health center professionals. (hgcastaner.com)

By THE STAR STAFF

Castañer General Hospital in Lares, the only hospital and Federally Qualified Health Center (Center 330) in Puerto Rico, has signed a two-year clinical training agreement with EDP University.

The partnership announced Thursday aims to provide clinical nursing internships to university students and address the health workforce needs in Puerto Rico’s mountainous interior region.

The agreement establishes a structured clinical rotation program that allows EDP University nursing students to fulfill their internship requirements at the hospital, known as HGC by its initials in Spanish. Under the agreement, EDP will provide a stipend for each student during their clinical rotation, covering housing, meals and conference facilities. In return, clinical and administrative staff at Castañer General Hospital will participate in annual continuing education programs for up to 20 health center professionals.

“This partnership arose from our desire to tackle the nursing staff shortage that impacts healthcare delivery across Puerto Rico, particularly in rural areas,” HGC CEO Giovanni Ortiz said. “By training students in community health centers, we aim to strengthen health services for residents, farmworkers, and other populations in the mountainous region.”

Each clinical group will consist of 10 students rotating through various areas of the hospital and its affiliated clinics. More than 200 nursing students are expected to participate in the program annually, gaining experience in the emergency room, hospital departments and outpatient clinics while developing essential nursing skills.

“Signing this agreement with Castañer General Hospital is an honor and a significant step forward,” EDP President Gladys Nieves said. “This partnership reaffirms our institution’s commitment to providing our nursing students with high-quality clinical experiences, connecting them with healthcare institutions known for their success and service excellence.”

EDP University’s San Sebastián campus has become an academic destination for Hispanic residents of the United States. Completing their internships at Castañer allows students to gain both education and primary medical services that the community needs, benefiting everyone involved, the president added.

Puerto Rico is currently facing a severe nursing shortage, as highlighted in the recent Puerto Rico Healthcare Workforce 2025 study, commissioned by the Financial Oversight and Management Board. The study reveals that 92% of nurses report experiencing burnout, with rates exceeding those in the continental United States. The shortage of healthcare professionals creates heavier workloads and greater administrative burdens, limiting the time available for patient care and exacerbating the staffing crisis.

The study emphasizes that the critical shortage of nurses and other healthcare workers is placing additional pressure on the healthcare system, leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care.