Nursing Project News
UNMC College of Nursing Campaign Nears Goal at Northeast
Yet another star aligned for the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing Northern Division when the Northeast Community College Board of Governors gave the green light for the facility’s construction at a cost less than originally anticipated.
Hausmann Construction of Lincoln was awarded the construction contract. It is projected the facility will be completed for the fall 2010 semester.
The College of Nursing campaign has raised $10.4 million to date, leaving just $1.5 million to be raised to complete the project. The 34,973-square foot, state-of-the art building will house UNMC’s bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs as well as NECC’s basic nurse aide, licensed practical nurse, and associate’s degree nursing programs. While the nursing shortage is affecting the entire nation, northeast Nebraska will be hit particularly hard due to the additional nursing care needed by the region’s aging population, among other factors. By the year 2020, northeast Nebraska is expected to need 25% more nurses than it currently has.
"Not only will the project directly impact the availability of health care in this corner of the state, it is College of Nursing Northern Division will create construction jobs in the short-term, and will bolster northeast Nebraska’s economy in the long-term by getting more well-trained nurses into our hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes,” said Dr. Bill R. Path, president of NECC.
“The fact that people are continuing to support this project despite the current state of the economy is a testament to their foresight,” adds Ron Stauffer, general chair of the capital campaign. “The College of Nursing Northern Division will have a positive impact on our local economies for years to come.”
Courtney Klein-Faust, campaign manager, applauds the regional campaign leaders and volunteers who have contributed their time to the project. “This is no small undertaking, and we never would have reached this level of success without the volunteers throughout northeast Nebraska. Their efforts are invaluable.”
People interested in contributing to the project can contact Klein-Faust at (402) 844-7056. For more information, go to www.healthy-lives.org.