Brookdale's New $7,000 Student Loan Reimbursement Program Aims to Bring More Nurses to Assisted Living

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At Brookdale assisted living communities, nurses are hired as health and wellness directors, overseeing clinical services at a community including setting standards, leading health and wellness programming, and managing care associates. "This is a different kind of path than hospital nursing and it is a very important one," said Kim Estes, senior vice president of clinical services for Brookdale. "Rather than providing hands-on care, these nurses shape the overall quality and content of care their community's seniors receive on a daily basis."

The new initiative will reimburse up to $7,000 of a newly hired Brookdale health and wellness director's student loans, with $3,500 provided after one year of successful service with the company and another $3,500 provided after the second year of continued achievement. The program complements the educational reimbursement program already in place at Brookdale, which provides tuition assistance to current associates with 12 months of continuous service for successful completion of undergraduate and graduate courses, certifications, licensing and continuing education units who agree to remain with the company for one year following the reimbursement. Combined, the programs seek to attract nurses, encourage continuing education, and retain and reward nursing talent.

Eighty percent of people 65 and above have at least one chronic medical condition and more than two-thirds have a least two, such as cardiac issues, pulmonary problems, diabetes, or arthritis. "Assisted living health and wellness directors have a crucial role in managing these challenges while also helping seniors live their optimum life," Estes said. "This mission is compelling and our nurses find it very meaningful. You truly have the opportunity to build relationships and change lives for the better."

The position can be a match for nurses with a range of experience, including those who are recently graduated. "Our nurses take an important leadership role in our communities and we have developed new training that prepares them not only for managing care associates, but also to be strategic, inspirational leaders," Estes said.  She noted that the work offers opportunity to advance to higher-level leadership positions at the district, regional and corporate level.

Brookdale's launch of the nurse student loan reimbursement initiative coincides with National Nurses Week, May 6 – 12. To apply for a position with Brookdale, visit brookdalecareers.com.

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide high quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,123 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve over 108,000 residents. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Contact: Kristin Puckett, 615-564-8481, [email protected]      

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.