Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Funds Nursing Faculty Position at Lone Star College-Montgomery
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital recently presented a check to the Lone Star College-Montgomery nursing program in order to fund a faculty position and allow the college's nursing program to continue to expand, meeting the critical need for nurses in the area. Pictured (l. to r.) are Mike Krall, dean of the natural sciences and health professions division at Lone Star College-Montgomery; Catherine Giegerich, RN, BSN, MS, FACHE, chief nursing officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital; Dr. Rebecca Riley, president of Lone Star College-Montgomery; and Julie Kendall, director of nursing, Lone Star College-Montgomery. |
key factor that Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and Lone Star College-Montgomery are working to alleviate.
Since 2008, the hospital has supported LSC-Montgomery with a dedicated salary for an additional nursing faculty member, and this year's contribution brings the total to almost $500,000 since the partnership began. This contribution, which has resulted in the “Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Nursing Faculty” position, has allowed the college to expand its nursing program, offering more and more students the opportunity to enter the nursing field.
“Memorial Hermann's investment in our nursing program and our students ultimately benefits the entire community,” said Dr. Rebecca Riley, president of LSC-Montgomery. “Without this contribution, it would be difficult to provide the intense instruction that is part of our highly-recognized nursing program.”
With the funding from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Montgomery County’s only Magnet® designated hospital for nursing excellence, the college has been able to expand its nursing program by almost 10 percent, adding 10 students for each academic year.
Catherine Giegerich, RN, BSN, MS, FACHE, chief nursing officer at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, sees the contribution as a critical investment for the hospital.
“As a beneficiary of the nurses that are educated at LSC-Montgomery, we view our support of the college as an obligation to the community,” she said. “We are vested in the outcome of this program.”
According to Julie Kendall, director of the college's nursing program, the hospital's generosity couldn't come at a better time, considering the ongoing nursing shortage—both locally and nationally.
“The nursing field is changing,” said Kendall. “Our students are highly sought after once they complete their program and pass the Board of Nursing’s certification/registration exam. This is because they've received such excellent training from our faculty.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics calls for a faster than average job outlook for registered nurses, citing a 26 percent increase in the field through 2020. This growth is due technological advancements; an increased emphasis on preventative care; and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives.
LSC-Montgomery offers several nursing programs, including the basic associate degree nursing (ADN) track, licensed vocational nursing (LVN), and a transition to professional nursing track for those LVNs and paramedics desiring to pursue the ADN track. The college also offers a certified nurse assistant (CNA) program.
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands actively employs some students from LSC-Montgomery’s nursing program as professional student nurses who are then often hired full time after completion of their nursing curriculum.
For more information about LSC-Montgomery’s nursing program, visit www.LoneStar.edu/nursing-dept-montgomery; or call (936) 273-7030.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community college systems in the nation. Dr. Steve Head is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.