OU's Riverview Institute opens its doors to ASD nursing students
The increased demand for qualified nursing professionals has St. John Health System seeking applicants and Oakland University’s School of Nursing working its way through a multi-year waiting list of students. Both institutions will have help with the official opening of the Riverview Institute of Oakland University, set from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
The Riverview Institute, formerly St. John’s Riverview Hospital, is a collaboration of influential institutions that has resulted in a state-of-the-art facility to better handle the growing demand for health care professionals through accelerated second degree (ASD) programs. At Riverview, such programs cater to the diverse needs of today’s students by providing those who already have a bachelor’s degree with a bachelor of science in nursing degree in 12 months. Graduating nurses will have the opportunity to be hired at one of St. John’s area hospitals.
“The accelerated program is an excellent alternative for our students who need to finish their degree work quickly,” said Barbara Penprase, director of the Accelerated Second Degree Program. “Finishing a BSN degree in 12 months enables our graduates to take advantage of career opportunities that are available right now.”
In addition, Riverview will offer a variety of workforce development programs, such as Patient Care Technician and Licensed Practical Nurse, and community programming such as healthy cooking, proper exercise and healthy eating. Public seminars and workshops on topics like aging well, health and nutrition also will be offered. The Agency on Aging provided additional funding for these community projects.
Mary Naber, senior vice president of worklife services, communications and continuum of care at St. John Health System, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the collaboration with Oakland University as a valued community partner, and pleased that this program furthers our goal of using the Riverview campus as a community resource.”
With 60,000 square feet of teaching area, Riverview is able to showcase an updated and expanded curriculum featuring technological and equipment improvements. To ensure students are experienced in the very latest in health care advancements, the site boasts two hospital-replicated teaching labs that include state-of-the-art human and critical care room simulators.
SON has taken its three-decade commitment to nursing excellence and added Focus: HOPE’s successful pre-program techniques to a curriculum that focuses on attitude, attendance and achievement to benefit future health care professionals.
“This facility offers our students a wonderful learning environment,” said Jaime Sinutko, project manager. “Plus, the collaboration with Focus: HOPE and the expertise that they bring in career coaching and their ability to break down learning barriers make our newly expanded curriculum that much better.”
The Oakland School of Nursing Riverview Center is located at 7733 E. Jefferson Avenue. For more information about the Riverview Institute, call Tom Schumann at (248) 370-4510.
The Riverview Institute of Oakland University helps with the demand for nurses and health care professionals by catering to students in accelerated second degree programs.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Modified by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Friday, October 30, 2009 Article Start Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
