MOBILE, Ala. — Infirmary Health System, the nonprofit corporate parent of Thomas Hospital in Fairhope and North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette, as well as three Mobile hospitals (including an acute, long-term care facility), is partnering with Bishop State Community College in the development of a new program aimed at increasing the number of nurses available for the area’s workforce.

Through an effort called Infirmary Alliance for Registered Nurse Training, IHS will fully fund up to 100 two-year scholarships annually for new associate degree nursing students at Bishop State, beginning with the fall semester this year. Eligible students from Baldwin, Mobile and Washington counties who accept a scholarship would then be required upon graduation to work three years at full salary in an IHS-affiliated hospital.

“There’s a great need for nurses in the area,” said Dr. James Lowe, Bishop State interim president. “This program would guarantee a large supply of nurses. I view this as another great recruitment plan. We see this alliance as just the tip of the iceberg.”

E. Chandler Bramlett, CEO of Infirmary Health System, said when Mobile Infirmary was founded 98 years ago, it had its own nursing school, and there was not a nursing shortage at the time. He noted, “We’re now working closely with south Alabama colleges, but we still have a significant need for nurses. It’s not nearly as bad in Mobile and Baldwin counties as it is in the rest of the country, however.”

Bramlett said the scholarships will cover tuition, books, fees and uniforms for the nurses-in-training. The students will also receive most of their clinical training at Infirmary Health System facilities, and will have the opportunity for part-time employment (up to 20 hours, according to Bramlett) with IHS during that time.

“We think this is going to be a win-win situation,” he said. “We’ll also be providing additional nurse trainers who are currently employees of Infirmary Health System.” IHS also operates Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, Infirmary West and Infirmary Long Term Acute Care in Mobile, as well as a number of outpatient centers in Alabama’s two coastal counties.

Bramlett said IHS facilities are staffed with around 6,000 professionals, making it one of the largest employers in the area. Around 100 new nurses are needed there each year, he added.

Students who would like to apply for Infirmary Alliance for Registered Nurse Training must first apply for, and be accepted to, the Bishop State ADN program. Glenn Carnathan, IHS organizational consultant, said each applicant must submit an essay, along with three letters of recommendation in order to be considered.

College officials will then review all program applications and submit those eligible to an Infirmary Health System team who will make the final decision in selecting program participants.

“We think this will help them realize lifetime goals that might not otherwise be available to them,” Bramlett said.

Bishop State has two ADN classes each year, one that begins in the fall, and another that starts with the spring semester. Program participation will be divided among the two classes, Bramlett said, as a way of reaching more potential students and in turn increasing the number of young men and women entering the nursing profession.

The program was unveiled Wednesday morning during a press conference held at the BSCC Baker-Gaines Central Campus in Mobile, where allied health courses are taught.

Also on hand for the announcement was Dr. Susan Price, Alabama Community College System vice chancellor for instructional and student services. She said, “It’s good for Bishop State, Infirmary Health System and the state of Alabama. There are more babies being born, more people using hospitals for care. People are living longer. There are fewer nurses though because many are hesitant to (enroll) for financial reasons. This program will remove that obstruction for many, making our communities better places to live.”

Lowe credits ACCS Chancellor Bradley Byrne of Montrose, Bramlett and other IHS administrators for making the scholarship program possible. He said, “Mr. Bramlett has been very cooperative in this, as has been Mr. Byrne. I view this as more than a partnership. It’s bringing two entities together for one cause.”

Bramlett said IHS officials have already begun a dialogue with Faulkner State Community College officials, and might be able to offer the Infirmary Alliance program there within two years.

Baldwin County patients won’t have to wait for the benefits until then, he pointed out, saying, “We’ll place the graduates where we have a need and where they want to work. We wanted to begin here (at Bishop State) and work the kinks out. We didn’t want to take on too much at once.”

Not only are IHS affiliates guaranteed a larger pool of nurses from which to fill vacancies, the community wins because there will be enough medical professionals to provide quality health care for years to come, he added.

The first graduates assisted by the program will likely emerge from Bishop State in time for the Infirmary’s 100th anniversary.

“We anticipate this being a permanent program,” Bramlett said. “This is a longtime commitment.”

The deadline to apply for the Bishop State Nursing program is June 30. The deadline to apply for the Infirmary Alliance scholarship is July 18.

Applications are available at the Bishop State Community College Baker-Gaines Central Campus at 1365 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Mobile, Infirmary Health System Employment Services, or online at www.theinfirmary.com or at www.bscc.cc.al.us.