Silver Lake College has accepted the challenge of addressing a rapidly increasing need for highly skilled nurses. The Manitowoc college is kicking off its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program this fall in its new, state-of-the art nursing wing.
The college has demonstrated a “commitment to academic excellence and a commitment to serving the needs of our community and beyond,” said Dr. Chris E. Domes, who is in his fourth year as president of Silver Lake College.
As growing numbers of people reach retirement age — and as nurses themselves retire — the demand for nurses is skyrocketing. The program will be especially beneficial to Manitowoc County, which has a disproportionate number of residents over the age of 65 compared to the rest of the country.
“There is a tremendous need for nurses,” said Brianna Neuser, director of Silver Lake College’s BSN program. “Each year, thousands of students are turned away from nursing programs due to limited capacity and/or a shortage of faculty members. Silver Lake College is now in a position in which we can help reduce the number of students being turned away through guaranteed acceptance into our program (contingent on meeting academic requirements). By training more nurses, we are helping the communities in which they’ll be working.”
Neuser, a native of Manitowoc, is the assistant dean of Silver Lake College’s School of Professional Studies. She is also a registered nurse and certified nurse educator who holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Silver Lake College offers the only BSN program in a large region, encompassing south of Green Bay, north of Milwaukee and east of Lake Winnebago. Its BSN program will satisfy all of the requirements for nursing that are necessary to prepare students for success on a National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensure exam.
