National Education Alliance In the News > NEW EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS NURSING SHORTAGE

NEW EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS NURSING SHORTAGE

June 01, 2011

Milwaukee, WI – June 1, 2011 – The National Education Alliance is pleased to announce that it has an agreement with Extendicare Health Services, Inc. to assist its nurses in obtaining the advanced education required to further their careers in long term care. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support the career ladder of the nursing profession and elevate the nurse’s voice/contribution in the healthcare industry. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) working at Extendicare will now have an opportunity to explore additional educational pathways to career advancement, which includes degree programs, certificate programs, and skill enhancement courses. Recognizing the direct correlation between education and the delivery of quality care, Extendicare continues to serve local communities by providing employee tuition reimbursement.

“As part of Extendicare's mission of helping people live better, we recognize the value our LPNs bring to the organization and are pleased to offer this opportunity for them to grow both professional and personally,” said Joseph Piccione, Director of Training and Organizational Development for Extendicare Health Services, Inc.

The Extendicare and National Education Alliance partnership allows licensed practical nurses to enroll in an educational program to become registered nurses at an affordable cost. Distance-learning and online classes will give LPNs the flexibility they need to feasibly complete this program in approximately two years while working full-time, allowing them to advance their careers while earning full-time wages.

“We are honored to collaborate with Extendicare to support the educational aspirations of their LPNs,” says Shara Wright, President of the National Education Alliance. “In partnership with Rue Education, we have been able to provide unique education opportunities to nurses throughout the country.” The National Education Alliance has visited Extendicare centers in nine states and has awarded numerous grants to Extendicare employees.

About Extendicare

In the United States, Extendicare’s wholly owned subsidiary, Extendicare Health Services, Inc., (EHSI) operates 169 senior care facilities and employs over 18,000 people. EHSI offers a continuum of health care services, including nursing care, assisted living and related medical specialty services, such as post-acute care and rehabilitative therapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis. EHSI also applies its operating expertise, extensive resources and economies of scale to provide purchasing, management, and consulting services to third-party providers.

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About the Alliance

The National Education Alliance is an advocacy group for adult learners and is committed to facilitating community-based projects that provide individuals with the opportunity to pursue their education in the most affordable fashion. The National Education Alliance collaborates with institutions of higher learning, employers, providers, partners, affiliates, sponsors and corporations. By working together with these groups, The National Education Alliance seeks to establish programs that meet the diverse needs of adult learners. With the emergence of hybrid learning models, working adults can take advantage of various course-delivery options ranging from independent study to tutor-led online learning. Providing robust learning experiences through multiple venues allows the student to benefit from a multi-faceted learning experience, thereby expanding knowledge acquisition, student retention, and overall accomplishment.