Oakland University, St. John Health System partner in new nursing institute
Rochester, Mich. – While St. John Health System is seeking highly qualified nursing professionals, Oakland University’s School of Nursing has a multi-year waiting list for students. Good news for both institutions will be the official opening of the Riverview Institute of Oakland University, which is 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 that can 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 students by providing those who already have a bachelor’s degree with a bachelor of science in nursing degree in just 12 months. Graduating nurses 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, as well as 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.
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.
The Oakland University School of Nursing has taken its three-decade commitment to nursing excellence and added Focus: HOPE’s successful pre-program techniques to a curriculum that focuses on the “3 A’s” – attitude, attendance and achievement – in an effort to further benefit the 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.
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The Riverview Institute is a a state-of-the-art facility that can better handle growing demand for health care professionals through accelerated second degree (ASD) programs.
Created by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Thursday, October 29, 2009 Modified by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Thursday, October 29, 2009 Article Start Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
