Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WSC-FAIRLAWN PARTNERSHIP

ADDRESSES NURSING SHORTAGE

(WORCESTER, Mass. – September 19, 2006) When Alissa Reed graduated in Nursing from Worcester State College (WSC) in May, she immediately walked into a job at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, thanks to a special partnership between WSC and Fairlawn. A year ago, Fairlawn donated $50,000 to WSC to go to scholarships for nursing students, with the agreement that those who accepted the scholarship would commit to at least one year of service at Fairlawn upon graduation. Alissa Reed was the first recipient of that scholarship.

“This opportunity has provided me with a financial stepping stone and has opened my eyes to the exciting world of rehabilitation nursing,” said Reed, who resides in Orange, MA.   “More importantly, Fairlawn has provided me with an inviting and challenging learning environment, allowing me to become the nurse I wish to be.”

 

Annmarie Samar, Ph.D., dean of faculty at Worcester State College, praised the partnership, saying, “Our long-standing relationship with Fairlawn continues to benefit our students and the community as a whole. Fairlawn is doing its part to support the education of nurses.”

Mary Aleksiewicz, vice president of nursing at Fairlawn, said, “Hospitals are looking for creative ways to address the nursing shortage.  This partnership is a win-win for the community because it provides an opportunity for nursing students to access financial assistance and explore the field of rehabilitation nursing.  In turn, we have the benefit of highly qualified new graduates working for us.”

Worcester State College juniors Sara Martel and Jill Mechan have also received Fairlawn Scholarships and will eventually follow Reed's lead to Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital.

Aleksiewicz added, “We’ve had a partnership with Worcester State for years. I’m active on their nursing advisory board, and many of their students come here for their clinical placement. This agreement takes our partnership a step further by helping students get their first job and assures that Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital has a stream of highly qualified nurses.”

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