“Due to campus growth, WSU Tri-Cities began exploring options about two years ago to relocate its nursing program to off-site facilities,” said James R. Pratt, interim chancellor. “In addition to more space, we hoped to be closer to Columbia Basin College’s two-year nursing program so we could create more synergy between our programs.
“Kadlec immediately stepped forward with the offer of 10,000 square feet of space in downtown Richland, plus $250,000 toward specialized equipment in the new facility,” Pratt said. “Group Health Cooperative jumped in with $75,000 and Lourdes Health Network immediately followed with $150,000.”
In addition, WSU President Elson S. Floyd committed $1 million toward the construction cost after WSU Tri-Cities raises the balance of the amount needed.
Community challenged to participate
Nurses’ impact ‘inspiring’
“My first job in the profession was at a 10-bed infirmary at Hamilton College in upstate New York,” Armstrong recalled. “Part of how I earned my undergraduate scholarship was by spending evenings serving meals and checking on patients. It was usually just me and a nurse or two on duty. Seeing the incredible impact the nurses had on the patients was deeply inspiring and it made a huge impression.”
John Serle, president and CEO of Lourdes Health Network in Pasco, echoed Armstrong’s respect for the nursing profession.
Anticipating more ‘success stories’
Education ‘a community effort’
“Educating a nurse is a community effort, and we are so grateful for your support,” Butterfield said. “Together, we are reinventing health care.”
About WSU Tri-Cities
Scott Armstrong
|
About the partners
Lane Savitch
|
Kadlec Health System is the largest healthcare organization in southeastern Washington. It is comprised of several subsidiary companies – including Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Kadlec Foundation, Kadlec Neurological Resource Center – and several physician practices – such as Kadlec Clinic and Kadlec Neuroscience Center. Health services include open-heart surgery, interventional cardiology, neonatal intensive care, neurosurgery, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, an advanced breast care center and one of the Northwest’s most advanced digital outpatient imaging centers. Kadlec is a locally owned, locally governed not-for-profit health system serving patients of the Tri-Cities and surrounding region. See http://www.kadlec.org
Bill Lampson
|
Lampson International has long been a leader in the heavy lift and transportation industry worldwide. Since its inception in 1946, Lampson has completed some of the most challenging and demanding projects in the United States and abroad. Lampson not only provides heavy rigging service and expertise, but also manufactures the world’s largest land based mobile crane — the Lampson Transi-Lift — as well as proprietary crawler transporters and other specialized heavy lift and transport equipment. The company is family owned and employs more than 250 people in the U.S., Canada and Australia. See http://lampsoncrane.com
John Serle
|
Lourdes Health Network has been serving the Mid-Columbia region’s health care needs since 1916. With more than 17 locations, Lourdes is known as a compassionate, innovative health care leader. Lourdes Health Network is a not-for-profit organization, is a member of Ascension Health, employs nearly 850 associates and has more than 200 physicians on medical staff. See http://www.lourdeshealth.net