Nursing Career Center of Connecticut names executive director

Connecticut Nursing News, Sep-Nov 2001

MERIDEN, CT-Teresa Twomey, RN, of South Windsor has been named the new executive director of the Nursing Career Center of Connecticut, an independent organization designed to promote nursing careers. Twomey, who also works as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Case Manager of Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, replaces Susan McGinnis, RN, interim executive director. McGinnis is now executive director of the Connecticut League for Nursing.

"Teresa's extensive nursing and managerial experience, combined with her passion and enthusiasm for the nursing field, is an excellent combination for the Center," said Jane Murdock, president of the Center's board. "She brings with her a fresh perspective on combating the nursing shortage which is plaguing the entire country, especially Connecticut."

Twomey, who has a masters of science degree in Nursing Management from the University of Hartford, earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She previously worked as the director of Pediatric Services for Interim HealthCare of Hartford as well as numerous nursing positions in Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Nursing Career Center of Connecticut (NCCC), jointly sponsored by the Connecticut League for Nursing (CLN) and the Connecticut Nurses' Association (CNA), seeks to attract middle school and high school students into the profession as well as those who are working in the health care system as certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses and individuals considering a career change, Murdock said. Connecticut ranks 38th in the nation in registered nurses per 1,000 people, she added. Currently, the average age of nurses is in their mid-forties, she added.

The Center is funded in part by a $100,000 grant by the Helene Fuld Health Trust and by other $10,000 Jubilee Sponsors, including Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Mary's and Waterbury Hospitals, Midstate Medical Center (Meriden) and other healthcare organizations and individuals. The center will be seeking funding for future years.

For more information on the Center go to www.NursingCareerCenterCT.com or call Twomey, RN, at 888-829-6222.