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May 11, 2009

UW Rock County Receives Major Nursing Program Commitment

Dean Health System & St. Mary's Janesville Hospital Pledge $90,000

Madison, WI - Dean Health System and St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital have stepped forward to offer financial support for a program that would allow Janesville-area residents to earn a bachelor’s degree in the nursing field without having to leave Rock County. Dean/St. Mary’s is pledging $60,000 and an additional $30,000 of in-kind support to the cause over the next three years.

The program, spearheaded by UW-Rock County Dean and Campus Executive Officer Diane Pillard, is a cooperative effort among UW-Rock County, the UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing and Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). The collaborative nursing degree program would provide an opportunity for area residents currently working as registered nurses with an associate’s degree to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) by taking UW-Rock County and UW-Oshkosh courses in Janesville. BSN nurses typically have increased responsibilities and increased career opportunities.

“The demand for BSN nurses is growing on a daily basis and interest in the program from potential students is tremendous,” says Diane Pillard, UW-Rock County Dean and Campus Executive Officer. “The time is right for this program to happen in Janesville and now that the healthcare partners are getting on board, we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

“Nursing is a time-honored career field that is still fresh and vibrant because nurses are constantly in high demand all over the country,” says Craig Samitt, MD, Dean Health System President & CEO. “Part of what makes a healthcare experience great is having caring and compassionate nurses. This program will ultimately create more long-lasting care relationships between patients and nurses."

"We are going to need many skilled nurses to provide exceptional care to the community when we open the doors of St. Mary's Janesville Hospital and Dean Clinic Janesville," says hospital President Kerry Swanson. "There is no better way to fill those positions than with people who understand the local needs. Kudos to everyone involved for collaborating and investing in the city's future."

Approximately $200,000 is still needed to fund additional teaching positions necessary to accommodate the increase in nursing students at all three institutions. Details of the program are still being discussed. Enrollment for students in pre-nursing courses could start as early as fall of 2009. To get on the list for information about the nursing program, contact UW-Rock County student services at (608) 758-6565 ext. 200.

To arrange an interview regarding this gift to the program, please contact Melissa Wollering at Dean Health System at (608) 250-1504 or Steve Van Dinter of SSMHC of WI/St. Mary’s Hospital at (608) 258-5700. To speak to Diane Pillard regarding details about the nursing program, please contact Carrie Hermanson at (608) 758-6565, ext. 350.