Walden University and Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland Form Education Alliance

Baltimore—February 20, 2007—Walden University, an accredited online institution, has established an educational agreement with Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland, enabling Good Samaritan employees to pursue a Walden Master of Science degree in Nursing.

“The national nursing shortage is a problem that continues to grow,” said Paula E. Peinovich, PhD, president of the university. “By teaming up with Good Samaritan, we hope to reduce the shortage through education by producing qualified, inspired nurse leaders dedicated to taking the profession to new heights both on the job and in the classroom.”

“Good Samaritan is delighted to be in partnership with Walden University. In today’s rapidly changing health care environment, professional advancement is a must do for our RN staff, and they have long been asking us to find them a program that meets the needs of busy, working nurses,” said Joanne Eich, MS, RN, education specialist at Good Samaritan. “The online format allows the student more flexibility and support than most traditional advanced degree programs, and the Walden nursing courses are comprehensive, challenging and pertinent.”

Demand for master’s-prepared RNs is growing as patient care is becoming more complex, with aging populations located both in and out of hospital settings. The nation is experiencing a shortage of nurses at the bachelor’s and graduate leadership levels. More than 1 million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2012, according to the February 2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Monthly Labor Review.

Some other points to consider: In 2004–2005, 32,797 eligible candidates were denied admission into nursing programs (American Association of Colleges of Nursing). In 2004, more than 123,000 qualified applicants could not be accommodated in associate’s, diploma and baccalaureate RN training programs (National League for Nursing). More than 75 percent of schools surveyed by the AACN cited a shortage of faculty as a primary barrier to enrollment growth.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Walden’s nursing program was uniquely designed to address the current and continuing needs of the nursing profession, while providing the broadest reach in quality nursing education. Walden’s MS program in Nursing currently enrolls more than 1,300 nurses, most of whom are on the nurse educator track.

Good Samaritan recognizes that Walden’s program provides nurses with the knowledge, skills and influence to affect more lives and make an even bigger difference for patients, the organization and the future of health care. Good Samaritan employees can earn a Walden MS degree in Nursing in as little as two years, with no campus visits; they can collaborate with nurses from around the country in a flexible, interactive online environment; and they can learn from expert faculty and contributing scholars via rich media productions. The online format allows nurses to stay in the workforce, apply what they learn on the job immediately and simultaneously advance their careers.

The first of Walden’s MS program in Nursing students were awarded their diplomas at the university’s commencement ceremonies on Jan. 26 in Dallas. Walden University is the flagship online institution of the Laureate International Universities global network of universities.

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and a bachelor’s completion program in business. Walden University is a member of the Laureate International Universities network, the largest global network of accredited campus-based and online universities. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org; 1-312-263-0456.