Methodist Healthcare Ministries Supports TLU’s Nursing Program with $250,000 Gift

Grant will provide specialized, geographic workforce training for TLU students

The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies estimates the state will need 293,000 registered nurses by 2020. With a $250,000 foundational gift, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. supports Texas Lutheran University's RN to BSN degree track by recognizing the state's growing demand for nurses. Recruiting new nurses and retaining current ones is key for Texas, as is impacting underrepresented rural areas by creating a 21st century health care workforce.

"This grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries is vital to our nursing program," said TLU President Dr. Stuart Dorsey. "By using innovative educational strategies, advanced technology, and targeting active RNs to improve their knowledge, skills and competencies at the baccalaureate level, TLU can produce nursing graduates to better serve a diverse and rural South Texas. The RN to BSN degree track also adds to TLU's longstanding reputation of strong programs in the sciences and health professions."

With this foundational gift, TLU nursing students will receive specialized and geographic workforce training through collaboration with local hospitals and colleges like Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, Baptist Health System's Resolute Health, and Alamo Community Colleges. This specialized training can lead to better job placement, increased wages, and job retention by targeting traditionally underrepresented nurses who need to improve their knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the demands of today's health care market. The established RN to BSN track allows students to adapt seamlessly into the program. TLU's Director of Nursing, Dr. Kathie Aduddell, has extensive experience directing similar programs in rural settings at Kennesaw State University, Victoria College, Radford University and Fullerton College.

"We at Methodist Healthcare Ministries are proud to partner with TLU and support their efforts to create opportunities for RNs to earn their BSN degrees," said Kevin C. Moriarty, president and chief executive officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "Nurses are often the first set of hands that help when we are in crisis, and we know there aren't enough of these critical helping hands in our state for those who need care. This partnership is part of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' overall strategy to increase the number of health care professionals in Texas, which to date has included a total investment of more than $19 million in support of programs like TLU's and championing legislation to address the nursing shortage at the state level."

About Methodist Health Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Southwest Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes MHM's one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest health care system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.

This article originally appeared on the Texas Luthern University website, to view click here.