Schools take part in open house; Cape Coral Hospital hosts education fair

Cape Coral Hospital hosted an education fair June 24.

The annual open house brought 14 schools of higher education to the hospital from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hospital employees and residents went from booth to booth and colleges such as Kaplan University, Nova Southeastern University, High Tech North and others had representatives on hand to answer questions.

"The flow has been pretty good," said Kristin Masencup, nursing program manager for Rasmussen College. "A lot of parents seeking information for their kids, for themselves."

The fair was organized by Lee Memorial Health System. Cape Coral Hospital was the last stop in the four-day education fair tour, which also visited Gulf Coast Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital.

Mike Polito, human resources administration business partner for Lee Memorial Health System, estimates that around 200 people visited the fair in the other locations.

"With the economy as bad as it is the public will be looking for career changes and we want to help them," Polito said.

Polito said there is high growth in health care careers.

Cape Coral Hospital, for example, now has more than 175 open positions.

Lauren Willison, a representative from Edison State College, said that many registered nurses are checking out bachelor's degree programs and many licensed practical nurses are looking into the RN programs.

"(It's) a nice opportunity for employees of Lee Memorial Health System to see the opportunity of advancement," Willison said.

Allison Ihrig, a hospital volunteer, is looking to change careers.

"I'm changing degrees from a teacher to a nurse," said Ihrig, who visited the fair to get more information about nursing programs offered locally.

Others just happened to visit the fair by chance.

"I just walked by and saw it," said Yvette Sewell. "I'm trying to get a bachelor's degree in business management."

Jason Teeters, corporate education manager at Rasmussen College, said Lee Memorial Health System is doing a great job responding to the need for higher education.

The next fair is tentatively scheduled for March.