Since the staff at SunPorch of Dodge City recognizes that southwest Kansas faces a nursing shortage, it has teamed up with a new partner to address the issue.
“We are super excited to be part of this educational program because our area has a great need for nurses,” said Debbie Allen, SunPorch marketing and community liaison. “By partnering with Nightingale, we hope to see an increase in the number of quality nurses here in Dodge City and the rest of southwest Kansas. As always, the SunPorch mission is to improve healthcare locally.”
Those who attend the public meeting may speak with Nightingale representatives and learn about its pre- and post-licensure BSN Programs.
“SunPorch is eager to be the local hub for Nightingale students,” Allen commented. “The College will have space in our building for educational mannequins and other supplies. Students will practice hands-on skills under the supervision of a local Nightingale faculty member.”
Nightingale offers a fully accredited BSN Program that is approved for distance delivery, said Emily Crawford, specialist in communications and public relations.
“The College focuses on bringing accessible nursing degree programs to communities hit hard by the nursing shortage,” Crawford said. “We collaborate with healthcare leaders to develop homegrown nurses who can begin their careers locally.
“Nightingale is passionate about helping smaller communities,” Crawford continued. “Area nursing programs may have capacity limits on enrollment and students may get their education elsewhere. Often, they don’t come back.”
Julie Janke, Nightingale regional manager of partnerships, recalled that when Ryan Salinas, SunPorch administrator, learned about the College “he was immediately on board. Ryan is a great partner and is aligned with our vision.
“We have been very impressed with SunPorch and its commitment to nursing education and quality healthcare. This is a big deal for Dodge City and the area. We congratulate local providers for coordinating such a meaningful opportunity.”
Nightingale’s blended-distance program is an innovative approach to brick-and-mortar schools, Janke said. The Program is comprised of online didactic learning and instruction with local on-ground experiential learning activities where learners practice hands-on skills.
There are no waiting lists and it has enrollment three times a year.
Janke encourages the community to attend the Oct. 15 meeting to learn more about the BSN Program and meet with Nightingale representatives.
“Those interested in nursing school have this opportunity to learn about the 32-month BSN Program and possibly learn about employment down the road,” Janke said. “In addition, Nightingale will waive the application fee for those who attend.
“Most people that become nurses are called to the profession,” she added. “If you have a burning desire to become a nurse, or even just thought about it, this meeting is a good place to start.”
While admissions advisors will not be at the meeting, participants can gather the right information to get the ball rolling.
The College is now accepting enrollments for the Spring 2020 semester that begins in January.
“Nightingale seeks to elevate ourselves and local communities,” Janke commented. “We are actively working to end this nationwide shortage. However, it is not just nursing students who benefit. Nightingale brings economic value to the community because we hire local individuals as faculty.”
For more information, contact Debbie Allen by calling 620-227-7512.
