SU and Inova Health System Partner to Expand Nursing Education Program

Shenandoah University has formed a collaborative affiliation with Inova Health System of Falls Church, Va., in support of the university's second-degree BSN program. The program will be offered at Shenandoah's Northern Virginia Campus at a new facility in Leesburg, Va., adjacent to Inova Loudoun Hospital.

"We're very pleased to enter into this collaborative relationship with Inova Health System," said Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons. "This agreement will enable the Division of Nursing to increase enrollment numbers for second-degree BSN students, helping to increase the number of qualified nurses available for the workforce."

"This partnership brings a great opportunity to Northern Virginia, in particular to residents of Loudoun County," said Knox Singleton, president and CEO, Inova Health System. "Nursing students can enroll in a high-quality educational program, plus gain access to clinical training at Inova Loudoun Hospital, a nationally recognized Magnet facility."

Under the terms of the agreement Shenandoah University will:

• raise enrollment in its second-degree BSN program from 30 to 60 students in 2009, and from 60 to 90 students by 2010
• reduce tuition by 15 percent for second-degree BSN students awarded Inova scholarships
• In return Inova Health System will:
• provide $7,500 scholarships for up to 25 qualified second-degree BSN students in 2009, and up to 30 qualified students in 2010 who make a two-year employment commitment to Inova
• contribute $500,000 during a two-year period to fund new classrooms, nursing skills/simulation laboratories and/or administrative spaces at the university's new facility in Leesburg
• provide additional clinical rotation slots at Inova Loudoun, Inova Fairfax and Inova Fair Oaks hospitals to accommodate the increase in students

"The accelerated second-degree BSN track at Shenandoah University prepares students with the skills and knowledge for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of diverse settings," said Dr. Kathryn Ganske, director of Shenandoah University's Division of Nursing. "This track is an innovative, 15-month program designed for students who already hold a baccalaureate degree in another field of study.

"What this means is individuals with a bachelor's degree in any other academic discipline - chemistry, English, history, music, engineering, etc. - can receive the professional credentials necessary to begin professional practice in nursing," said Dr. Ganske. "So, students can receive a $7,500 scholarship, gain access to clinical training at an Inova institution and earn the credentials for eligibility to take the national licensing exam after graduation."

Inova Loudoun and Inova Fairfax hospitals have been awarded Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet hospitals serve as national models for nursing care and signify that the organization fosters the professional growth of nurses.

"The proximity of Shenandoah University's new campus to Inova Loudoun Hospital will prove very convenient for new nurses," said Randy Kelley, CEO, Inova Loudoun Hospital. "Our hope is that these nurses will not only train here, but will become future employees to provide a valuable and much needed service here in Loudoun County."

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, a national nursing shortage continues to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for healthcare grows. The U.S. Department of Labor has predicted a need for 600,000 new nurses by 2016, among the largest number for any occupation. In addition, nursing preparatory programs across the country are struggling to expand enrollment levels to meet the rising demand for new nurses.

Shenandoah University offers a full-range of nursing programs at its Winchester campus, from a baccalaureate track (LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, a five-semester transfer BSN and a traditional four-year BSN degree program) to a Master of Science with specialty tracks in health systems management, family nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery and psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner. This fall, students in the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) class will prepare for terminal degrees in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova's mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.