Alumni

VU Partners with LaPorte Regional Health System

An agreement between the College of Nursing and LaPorte Regional Health System has allowed a member of the Valpo nursing faculty to serve concurrently as a clinical nurse at the hospital.

Constance (Wisniewski ’01, ’04 M.S.N.) Lemley, an adjunct assistant professor at the College of Nursing and a clinical nurse specialist in gerontology, is serving the joint appointment. Her work includes consulting on geriatric cases at the hospital and helping hospital nurses to improve their geriatric nursing skills.

“By serving in this dual role, I can play an important part in developing the skills of future and practicing nurses,” Lemley said. “And I can help with clinical placements of Valparaiso’s nursing students. In addition to serving in an educational role where I can work with both nursing students and practicing nurses, continuing to have contact with patients in this position also is rewarding to me.”

Janet Brown, dean of the College of Nursing, believes the partnership is a win-win situation.

“This collaborative venture brings together the resources of both facilities in a way that will help our students and enhance the quality of care at LaPorte Hospital,” Brown said.