Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002 

 

HEYWOOD HOSPITAL AND LACHANCE CENTER EMPLOYEES CLEAR FIRST HURDLE; PREPARE TO ENTER MWCC RN PROGRAM THIS FALL

 

(GARDNER)—Twelve Heywood Hospital and Leo P. LaChance Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing employees were recognized for completing their foundation coursework as they prepare to enter the Mount Wachusett Community College Nursing Program, at a celebratory dinner, Thurs., Aug. 22. The students are all participants in an innovate partnership, the Pathway to Nursing Program, between the college, the hospital and LaChance that offers free tuition, fees and textbooks to employees who enrolled in the MWCC Nursing Program. It is designed to address the current nursing shortage. According to the American Hospital Association’s June 2001 TrendWatch, 126,000 nurses are currently needed to fill vacancies in U.S. hospitals.

The students are:

Heywood Hospital President and CEO Daniel P. Moen called the collaborative effort a “win, win, win situation,” adding, “Students, the institutions and the community all benefit.”

Leo LaChance told students that, at age twelve, he suffered a ruptured appendix and spent seven weeks in the hospital. “If it hadn’t been for the nurses, I wouldn’t have made it. Those nurses were the greatest.” He was proud of the celebration dinner because, “Nurses are not as recognized as they should be.”

Mount Wachusett Community College President pledged to the future nurses that the college, “will be part of your success.” He called the nursing profession, “noble because it consistently gives back to humanity.”

The first students entered the Pathway to Nursing Program in May 2001 and have now completed a rigorous schedule of coursework. “These students worked non-stop without a break,” explained Program Coordinator Sharon Smiledge. “When other students were enjoying spring break or summer vacation, these students were studying.”

The group is expected to graduate in May 2004.