In February, Walden University established an educational agreement with Good Samaritan Hospital of Maryland, enabling Good Samaritan employees to pursue an M.S. degree in Nursing.

“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 R.N. staff, and they have long been asking us to find them a program that meets the needs of busy, working nurses,” says Joanne Eich, M.S., R.N., 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.”

Good Samaritan employees can earn a Walden M.S. 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 national nursing shortage is a problem that continues to grow,” says Paula E. Peinovich, Ph.D., 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.”

The first M.S. program in Nursing students were awarded their diplomas at the university’s commencement ceremonies on Jan. 26 in Dallas.

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