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FSC partners with Lakeland Regional 
Medical Center on nursing program

LAKELAND, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2003) - Florida Southern College has received a $98,000 donation from Lakeland Regional Medical Center (LRMC) for the college's nursing program. The hospital has committed to support the program for two years to encourage graduate nursing education at FSC. The partnership includes start-up costs for faculty and operations. 

"We are pleased to have the support of Lakeland Regional Medical Center and the Lakeland community in our efforts to bring additional graduate opportunities to Polk County," said Dr. Susan P. Conner, dean of the college. "The college's nursing program has been an important part of Florida Southern's mission for nearly three decades. This takes us to a new level."

FSC plans to begin a master's program in adult health nursing with an advanced degree of clinical nurse specialist (CNS). The program will be the only advanced-degree program in nursing offered in Polk County and one of only a few clinical specialist programs in the state. The CNS is traditionally an expert in nursing, according to Dr. Sheila Marks, the department chair. In addition to providing direct patient care, clinical nurse specialists influence care outcomes by providing expert consultation for nursing staffs and by implementing improvements in health care delivery systems.

"We are proud to be partnering with Florida Southern College on this initiative that will advance the education of nurses and can only improve the quality of health care in our community," said Dr. Phyllis Watson, vice president and chief nurse executive at LRMC. She said that supporting the education of clinical nurse specialists benefits LRMC because "clinical nurse practice specialists will help develop the expertise of our experienced nurses and bring advanced interventions to our patients. They are role models to others and enhance our quality of care."

About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. 

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