Through a new program called Infirmary Alliance for Registered Nurse Training, Infirmary Health System has committed the financial resources to provide up to 100 scholarships per year for new Associate Degree Nursing students at Bishop State, beginning with the fall semester of 2008.
"This initiative is part of the Infirmary's three-pronged approach to being an active participant in workforce development in the Mobile area," E. Chandler Bramlett, CEO of Infirmary Health System said. "We are very excited about the opportunity to open doors to higher education for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college."
In addition to providing the scholarships, Bramlett said the nursing students would also receive most of their clinical training at Infirmary Health System facilities and have the opportunity for part-time employment with Infirmary Health System during their nursing training. Upon graduation they would agree to work a specific amount of time at one of the IHS affiliates.
"Everyone wins with this initiative and this partnership," Bramlett said. "Bishop State, which plays a very important role in workforce development, gets a significant increase in enrollment. Future nurses are offered an education and employment, and our Infirmary Health System affiliates are guaranteed a larger pool of nurses from which to fill vacancies. Ultimately, the community wins because we will have the medical professionals needed to provide quality healthcare for years to come."
Dr. James Lowe, interim president of Bishop State Community College, said this new partnership comes at a perfect time for the two-year college.
"There is a great need for nurses in the Mobile community and being able to offer up to 100 new scholarships each year will have a major impact on the community and on Bishop State's enrollment," Dr. Lowe said. "We are extremely happy to partner with Infirmary Health System, led by E. Chandler Bramlett. This exhibits a positive partnership and is evidence that when innovative people like Mr. Bramlett, Chancellor Bradley Byrne and others collaborate, great things happen. We see this as just the tip of the iceberg. Bishop State is very excited and very committed to making this a model for other partnerships."
Bramlett added that Infirmary Health System officials have already begun a dialogue with Faulkner State Community College, and would hopefully be able to expand the Infirmary Alliance program to Faulkner in the future.
Students who wish to apply for Infirmary Alliance for Registered Nurse Training must first apply for and be accepted to the Bishop State Community College ADN program. Bishop State officials will review all Infirmary Alliance program applications and submit eligible applications to an Infirmary Health System team that will select the program participants.
Bishop State has two ADN classes each year, one that begins in the Fall, and one that begins with the Spring semester. Infirmary Alliance program participation will be divided among the two classes. "Our primary goal is to increase the number of students going in to the nursing profession by providing financial support and clinical work opportunities." Bramlett said. "We hope that spreading this out over the academic year will allow us to reach more potential students."
Upon successful completion of the RN program and Alabama licensure, the student will be expected to complete a three-year work commitment with Infirmary Health System.
The deadline to apply for the Bishop State Nursing program is June 30. The deadline to apply for the Infirmary Alliance for Nursing Education Assistantship is July 18. Applications are available at the Bishop State Central Campus (Baker-Gaines Central Campus), Infirmary Health System Employment Services, or online at www.theinfirmary.com or at www.bishop.edu.
