SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – People gathered Thursday night for a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Ivy Tech’s new “Beacon Health System School of Nursing” program.
Beacon needs more nurses, and Ivy Tech’s nursing program needs to grow. This partnership started this school year, and it’s a win-win for everyone.
“And when we bring our unique talents together, that’s when we can make a real impact, and that’s what you see today,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper.
Beacon is helping Ivy Tech expand its nursing program, so they can provide more training and education to nurses.
“This collaboration between Beacon and Ivy Tech is a great addition to our community,” said Sarah Patralski with Beacon Health Systems. Our community is in a nursing shortage and the damage caused by that shortage has reached the region.
Students who graduate from the program receive free tuition, financial aid, test support and up to three years of employment at Beacon.
“This is a community that wants to solve problems together and support each other and care for each other’s needs,” said Dr. Robinson.
This partnership is one of a kind in the state.
“Beacon and Ivy Tech are removing barriers for high school graduates who aspire to become nurses,” said Patralski, “Together, we’ve worked to create a career path for Beacon nurses both academically and at the hospital bedside.”
“This opportunity underscores Ivy Tech’s commitment to serving our community and our workforce,” said Robinson.
Statewide, more than 15 percent of nurses graduate from Ivy Tech each year.
“I consider myself fortunate to be among a family of nurses who have graduated from Ivy Tech to become a Beacon Scholar. I can’t wait to see how this partnership grows in the coming years,” said recent graduate Matt Stump, “but I do know one thing, to focus on how Beacon and Ivy Tech are leading the way.” “It helps. Prioritizing the importance of training the next generation of nurses.”
This partnership will require 500 additional workers for the new tower that will build Beacon.
Copyright 2022 WNDU. all rights reserved.
