Nursing alumna returns to discuss Michigan's nursing shortage

Michigan's Chief Nurse Executive Jeanette Klemczak will speak at University of Detroit Mercy on Tuesday, April 8 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Fountain Lounge, McNichols Campus. Klemczak's presentation, which is sponsored by UDM's Student Nursing Association, will focus on Michigan's nursing shortage and its effect on students and future nurses.

Klemczak, who was appointed to the Chief Executive Nurse position by Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2004, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UDM and a Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University. Throughout her 30-year career in nursing, she has been recognized for her professional leadership in nursing, specifically in nursing workforce and health policy development.

Klemczak has held positions as a staff nurse and leadership positions with the City of Detroit, the Wayne County Health Department and the former Michigan Department of Health (now MDCH). She also served as director of Faculty and Clinical Practice and assistant professor of Nursing at Michigan State University.

Upon appointing Kelmczak to her current position, Granholm stated, "The state needs an outstanding experienced nurse like Jeanette working to attract, train, and retain dedicated healthcare professionals in the nursing workforce. As part of Michigan's healthcare team, Jeanette will be the expert we turn to when it comes to nursing."

Klemczak previously visited UDM in 2005 as the keynote speaker of the College of Health Professions Alumni Week, and discussed such issues as the importance of student clinical placements, licensing and nurse-staff ratios.

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The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, offering approximately 100 majors and programs in 60 academic fields. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the University has three campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit.

UDM was ranked among the top tier of Midwestern master's universities in U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" – 2009 edition. UDM was also rated one of the top 15 institutions in the "Great Schools, Great Prices" category.

Publish date: March 31, 2008