Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Building the Future Nursing Workforce and Advancing Pediatric Care with Cicely “CC” Brooks
Mar 26, 2026
CeCe Brooks, Senior VP and Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s National Hospital, leads nursing practice and workforce development. She talks about building nursing pipelines with apprenticeships and local partnerships. She discusses individualized career support, redesigned nurse residency programs, and pediatric priorities like vaccine education and infection readiness.
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Create Nursing Pipelines With Apprenticeships
- Build nursing pipelines through apprenticeships and partnerships to create clear entry paths for high school students and entry-level staff.
- Children's National uses apprenticeships and community-college ties so environmental services and food staff can train into nursing roles.
Local Partnerships Fuels A 5,000 Nurse Goal
- Children's National partners locally with Howard, GW, Trinity Catholic and philanthropic foundations to expand access and pathways into healthcare.
- A major donor funds a high-school program aiming to create 5,000 nurses over the next five to ten years.
Invest In Bedside Career Development
- Invest in bedside career development beyond title changes by funding certifications, tuition, conferences, and research participation.
- Children's National provides tuition reimbursement, conference funds, certification support, and a learning and development team focused on growth.