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Published on: 2/28/2007
Last Visited: 3/16/2008
Jennifer WilliamsonGolden Care Academy(619) 232-0557 ext. 6Jennifer@goldencareacademy.org
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"Over 2006, our organization embarked on an ambitious, three part project funded by The California Endowment," said Jennifer Williamson, executive director, Golden Care Academy."We mounted a feasibility study and based on its results developed the strategic and business plans that will guide agency expansion over the next five years.One of the outcomes of the planning process was the decision to change our name to better reflect our new strategic direction and the collective vision the board and staff had of the agency's future."The vision includes the launch of a new initiative entitled "Nurses Now!," a key element of which involves mounting a licensed vocational nursing (LVN) program to meet the critical demand for highly trained, culturally diverse nursing professionals in the San Diego community.Another key aspect of Golden Care Academy's strategy includes responding to the evolving needs of both its students and area employers.New programs will be developed based on demand and innovative teaching concepts incorporated into the business model. "The demographics in our state and nation are changing rapidly," continued Williamson.
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"The nursing shortage is now a real threat to our healthcare system," said Jennifer Williamson, executive director, Golden Care Academy.
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"Nursing programs at both the LVN and registered nurse (RN) level have lengthy wait lists with prospective students waiting a year or more to gain entrance," continued Williamson."Because of this, many of our students are choosing to climb a career ladder, first becoming nurse assistants, then LVNs and finally reaching for the top rung, registered nurse-and working along the way.Implementing an LVN program is a natural next step for our organization and one that our student population has been asking us to take for a number of years.""Nurses Now! also means training ethnically diverse healthcare professionals ensuring that San Diego County's healthcare workforce mirrors its population.Studies have shown this to be an important need in the recruitment and training of nurses and other healthcare professionals," said Williamson.