Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Receives Gift for New Nursing Facility
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., today (April 15) announced gifts from the Abilene community to be used to develop a new nursing facility at the TTUHSC campus in Abilene.
The university has secured enough funding to begin construction on the new TTUHSC School of Nursing building but will continue to raise additional funding for the completion of this project. Hendrick Health System will help construct the facility, which will attach to the existing School of Pharmacy building at 1718 Pine St., and then donate the nursing building to TTUHSC.
“We are happy to continue the partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing,” said Tim Lancaster, president and CEO of Hendrick Health System. “Our community recognizes that quality health care is contingent upon quality education and training for our future nurses. Our partnership with Texas Tech University has been instrumental in attracting some of the best nursing candidates in the field, and hopefully keeping them in Abilene.”
President Mitchell praised Abilene for its generosity, which will enhance educational opportunities for future generations and improve health care in Texas and across the nation.
“This gift from the Abilene community and our continued partnership with Hendrick Health System will ensure the continued availability of outstanding nursing education to students and will enhance the already high quality of health care offered to Abilene residents,” Mitchell said.
As the state’s rapidly growing population ages and the need for care increases, there is a greater demand for nurses. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies estimates that with strategies already in place, Texas will be short 71,000 nurses by 2020.
In March 2008, the TTUSHC School of Nursing partnered with Hendrick Health System to establish a web-based second-degree nursing program in Abilene. Students gain clinical experience at Hendrick Medical Center and in local community-based agencies and clinics. The school expanded its traditional bachelor of science in nursing program to Abilene in May 2009.
“This new facility will enable the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing at Abilene to grow to its full potential, thus helping to alleviate the state’s nursing shortage,” said Pearl Merritt, Ed.D., R.N., regional dean of the TTUHSC School of Nursing in Abilene.
There are currently 56 students enrolled in the TTUHSC School of Nursing in Abilene. It is anticipated that the school will have an enrollment of an additional 104 students by 2015. Other programs available to Abilene and area residents are the online RN to BSN program and various graduate programs.
For more breaking news and experts, follow @ttuhscnews on Twitter.
Related Stories
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life
A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.
Drug Use, Family History Can Lead to Heart Disease in Younger Adults
Abstaining from drug abuse and an early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can help prevent heart disease.
Recent Stories
The TTUHSC Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health Welcomes Ben Carson as Power of the Purse Keynote Speaker
Retired neurosurgeon and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, M.D., delivered a keynote address at the Power of the Purse luncheon and fundraiser today (April 18).
Filling the Gap: PA Impact on Rural Health Care
Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education Elesea Villegas, MPAS, PA-C, spoke about the challenges rural health care currently faces and how PAs are stepping up to better serve the rural patient population.
School of Pharmacy Remembers Contributions of Key Collaborator
Cynthia Nash, Pharm.D., served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice for the School, and was an instrumental collaborator and key ally in our partnership with the Dallas VA North Texas Health Care System.