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Foundation Just as Florence Nightingale pioneered modern nursing, we are breaking new ground for nursing in Texas. Birds of a Feather Baylor St. Luke's earned the state's fi rst Magnet hospital status for Nursing Excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Now, the Nightingale Society is providing the community with a chance to help nurses continue that legacy of excellence. Founded last fall, the Nightingale Society supports nurses in all departments and at all skill levels at CHI St. Luke's Health–The Woodlands Hospital, with scholarships for professional development and recertifi cation as well as advanced education. Individuals can apply on a year-round basis. The opportunities also extend to those employees interested in starting a nursing career — a vocation with a rising demand. Modern health care and the coming retirement of an entire generation of nurses translates into new challenges and a greater need for highly trained professionals. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the average nursing age is 47, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of nursing positions open in 2022 will be about one million. These reports also predict states in the South and the West, like Texas, will experience a particular shortage. Ultimately, training and education allow frontline professionals to couple advanced practice with compassionate care. "Nurses are the ones who are there for patients in their most vulnerable moments," said May Cahill, Division Vice President of Development, CHI Texas Division and Executive Director of the St. Luke's Foundation. "The society is a way for the community to show their support." The Nightingale Society began with patients and their families who had personal experiences with nurses at The Woodlands. However, the organization welcomes new members annually from all over the community with a range of giving levels, beginning at $50. For more information or to become involved, contact Carolyn Hays at 832.355.5855 or visit SupportStLukes.org/nightingale. Always Learning Today, nurses' education continues well beyond their days in the undergraduate classroom. The Nightingale Society provides assistance for the CHI St. Luke's Health–The Woodlands Hospital nursing team to pursue professional development, advanced degrees, and research such as: Graduate degrees for advanced practice positions, including certifi ed nurse midwife and clinical nurse specialist Opportunities in clinical nursing research Master's degrees for careers in healthcare administration, nursing informatics, and nursing education Continuing professional certifi cation 14 CHI St. Luke's Health | V1N3 | www.CHIStLukesHealth.org