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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseIndependence Blue Cross Salutes Nurses During National Nurses WeekIBC's Programs, Scholarship Help Address Nursing Shortage Philadelphia, PA - May 6, 2005 - Independence Blue Cross celebrates the contributions that nurses make each day in providing quality care to their patients during National Nurses Week, which is celebrated annually from May 6th to May 12th. In celebration of National Nurses Week, IBC is announcing the launch of its Nursing Internship Program and its successes with the IBC Nurse Scholars Program. "Nurses are a vital part of our health care industry, but their efforts in saving lives and maintaining the health of millions of patients are often not sufficiently recognized," says Joseph A. Frick, IBC President and CEO. "IBC Nurse Scholars Program and our new Nursing Internship Program are just two examples of how IBC supports the nursing profession and the health of our community." As a follow-up to the IBC Nurse Scholars Program, IBC is launching a 10-week Nursing Internship Program in June with four local schools of nursing - LaSalle, Drexel, Villanova, and the University of Pennsylvania. The Internship Program is designed to help students bridge academic instruction with practical applications in health care administration. IBC Nurse Scholars Program, which was launched in September, 2004, has provided scholarships to over 600 students enrolled in 29 nursing programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Together with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation (PHEF), IBC will provide $3 million over a three-year period to combat the critical shortage of nursing instructors and nurses. IBC also is committed to PHEF's Nursing Education Initiative in Southeastern Pennsylvania, which provides financial assistance to aspiring undergraduate nursing students. "The nursing shortage poses a severe threat to the future of our health care system," says Frick. "By focusing on a program that benefits new nurse educators and nursing students, we hope to give this critical issue needed visibility and, at the same time, attract more qualified and caring nurses to Southeastern Pennsylvania." Studies show that nurses and nurse educators are crucial in the quality of health care that patients receive. With more than 78 million baby boomers poised to retire, the need for nurses is about to increase dramatically. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 1 million registered nurse positions will be vacant by 2010. Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.
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