Mississippi News
Singing River breaks ground on Mississippi’s first medical apprenticeship facility
Singing River breaks ground on Mississippi's first medical apprenticeship facility
OCEAN SPRINGS — Amber Granger, 38, took her first health care job more than two decades ago as a nursing assistant.
She went back to school to be a lab technician, then moved into management. She dreamed of becoming a nurse but she couldn't give up her income – or take on anymore student debt – for nursing school.
Her career aspirations sat on hold until the Singing River Healthcare Academy gave her the nudge she needed. The new academy is the state's first-ever medical apprenticeship program.
The academy is part of the Singing River Health System's – and state and local leadership's – answer to the major staffing shortages plaguing the state's health care system.
“If I can advance my career, continue to work, and provide for my family then why not apply?” said Granger, a Gulfport resident. “I got the call that I was accepted and it was surreal until my first day of school.”
Now Granger is on her way to become a licensed practical nurse. She's in a cohort of 15 in the fledgling academy, which won't have a dedicated homebase until a new complex is constructed. The program allows students to train for a host of much-needed health care jobs without charge and while getting paid for on-the-job training.
On Thursday, Gov. Tate Reeves gathered with hospital leaders to break ground on the academy's planned four-story building. The new training center will be a short drive from Singing River's Ocean Springs hospital campus on Bienville Boulevard.
“This transformative program is going to have a huge impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Reeves said during Thursday's celebration. “And, quite frankly, it's going to have a huge impact on the entire state of Mississippi.”
Singing River CEO Tiffany Murdock said the program projects to have 1,000 students in the fall of 2024. She plans to more than quadruple that annual count once the academy's building is open to students.
Reeves said the academy fits the state's overall approach to strengthening the economy through workforce development by ensuring Mississippians have access to training for the state's most in-demand and high-paying positions.
“This academy will strengthen the pipeline of health care professionals in Mississippi,” he said, “and will help entice people to live, learn and work right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Lauren Fernandez, a 33-year-old Ocean Springs resident, is one of the program's recent graduates. The former Army medic is now a surgical technologist. She aids surgeons from a procedure's start to finish.
“I had gotten out of health care for a while,” Fernandez said, “and I debated going back for surgical tech school. But then I saw the apprenticeship program and I was like, ‘This is meant to be.'”
In addition to practical nurses and surgical technologists, the program also trains nursing assistants, medical assistants, and phlebotomists.
Hospitals have been facing staffing shortages since before the pandemic, but the issues peaked as the worst of COVID-19 dragged on. Nurses left the field altogether, took on less-stressful nursing jobs outside a hospital setting, or became contracted travel nurses for higher pay.
Mississippi hospitals reported about 3,000 total nursing vacancies at the end of 2021, according to a survey by the Mississippi Hospital Association.
“I can't be 2,500 people,” Granger said, referring to the state's massive nursing shortages, “but I can fill the gap of one.”
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Alabama OF TJ McCants returns to Ole Miss this weekend
SUMMARY: Three years ago, TJ McCants hit a game-tying grand slam for Ole Miss against LSU, leading the Rebels to a 10-9 victory after overcoming an eight-run deficit. McCants transferred to Alabama where he has had a successful season with a .330 batting average, 13 home runs, and 42 RBIs. He will make his return to Oxford this weekend as Alabama faces Ole Miss, where he was a key player for the 2022 national title-winning team. McCants also homered in the championship series against Oklahoma. This weekend is expected to be emotional for both McCants and the Rebels' fanbase in Oxford.
The post Alabama OF TJ McCants returns to Ole Miss this weekend appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
New retail space coming to Gluckstadt
SUMMARY: Madison County residents will soon have new shopping options with the completion of Phase 1 of a development project for a retail town center in Germantown Village, Gluckstadt. Phase 2 will include new restaurants, hotels, a movie theater, and more, with potential tenants already being sought. The project aims to bring revenue and convenience to the area, with modern and attractive building designs to attract customers. The team hopes to finish the project by early 2026, providing a range of flexible spaces to accommodate various businesses. Residents like Pam Morris are excited for the revenue and convenience the new development will bring.
The post New retail space coming to Gluckstadt appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Making a stand against sexual violence
SUMMARY: Denim Day on April 24 is an international holiday that aims to raise awareness and fight against sexual violence. The holiday originated from a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that dismissed a rape charge due to the victim's tight jeans. Dorothy Sanders, a victim advocate coordinator, explains that many victims of sexual assault feel ashamed and hesitant to report the crime due to misconceptions and victim blaming. It is important for victims to reach out to local law enforcement for help if they have experienced sexual assault or harassment. The day serves as a reminder to challenge harmful beliefs and support survivors of sexual violence.
The post Making a stand against sexual violence appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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