The WorkPlace receives $3M grant for nurse training

BY JUSTIN MCGOWN jmcgown@westfairinc.com

A$3 million federal grant will be put to use by The WorkPlace to fund training for up to 200 entry-level nursing professionals who are interested in pursuing either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

The WorkPlace, a Bridgeportbased administrator of workforce development funds and job train- ing, will use the funds over the next f ive years.

Joseph Carbone, the president and CEO of The WorkPlace, described the grant as a small but necessary step towards meeting the increasing needs for medical care across both the state and country.

“Obviously, we’ve been familiar with the nursing shortage and the fact it’s going to get worse for years to come for some time,” Carbone explained. “We studied it, and a great deal of work to apply for the grant was required. A very broad partnership was required.”

That partnership will include the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Grif f in Hospital in Derby, iCare, Hartford Health, the Connecticut Hospital Association, Goodwin University and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

“It will, in and of itself, add at