In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Monday, August 1 – Assumption University launches a new post-bachelor’s accelerated nursing track, the Worcester Public Library is hosting its second annual block party, WWE’s Smackdown returns to the DCU Center this fall, double-check your polling location for the Sept. 6 State Primary and kids can get free babysitting training and certification.
Assumption University Launches Post-Bachelor’s Accelerated Nursing Track
Assumption University is introducing a new post-bachelor’s accelerated nursing track available from the University’s Froelich School of Nursing.
The program is a hybrid, 16-month long program designed for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline. The school developed the track to address a high demand for registered nurses (RNs) as healthcare organizations wrestle with an increasing patient population and an aging workforce.
“The post-bachelor’s accelerated nursing track has been developed to combat the current shortage of registered nurses that is expected to intensify as the more than 70 million Baby Boomers age and the need for healthcare increases as a result,” said Caitlin M. Stover, RN, Ph.D., and Dean of the Froelich School of Nursing. “It is no secret that burnout among registered nurses in the last two-plus years, primarily due to the stress of providing healthcare associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a crushing exodus from the nursing field. This additional track in our already successful baccalaureate nursing program will significantly increase the number and the rate that graduate nurses enter the pipeline.”
The post-bachelor’s accelerated nursing track starts June 5, 2023.
Post-Bachelor’s Accelerated Nursing Track Highlights
- Asynchronous course delivery allowing weekly flexibility in completing course assignments.
- A variety of clinical experiences exposing the students to diverse patients, families, and populations.
- Integration of simulation pedagogy in all clinical courses focusing on the development of clinical judgement.
Assumption is planning a series of program information sessions beginning this fall. For more information about this new nursing track, click here.
Worcester Public Library Hosting 2nd Annual Block Party
The Worcester Public Library is hosting its second annual Community Block Party on Aug. 13 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The event will feature free activities and entertainment, including DJ Chuck Chillin, Wicked Good Henna, Face Painting by Face Escape, East Coast Entertainment Photo Booth, Magic Fred’s Magic Show, Curious Creatures Reptile Exhibit, and inflatable slide/basketball.
Food trucks will also be on site, including Say Cheese Food Truck, Sabor Latino, The Dogfather, Shabby Gourmet, Jerry’s Ice Cream & Jerry’s Novelty truck, and Minuteman Kettle Corn.
Over 60 vendors will be present including crafts, nonprofits and kids programs. Parking is free during the block party.
WWE’s Smackdown Returns to the DCU Center this Fall
WWE’s Smackdown is returning to the DCU Center on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7:45 PM.
The pre-sale starts on Aug. 3 at 10 AM until Aug. 4 at 11:59 PM. Use cod “WWESOCIAL” to purchase pre-sale tickets at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at $20.
Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 AM on Aug. 5.
Smackdown stars expected to be in Worcester include:
- Drew McIntyre
- From Monday Night RAW The Street Profits
- vs Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos.
- Kofi Kingston (Boston Hometown)
- Xavier Woods
- Happy Corbin
- Sheamus
- Natalya
- Madcap Moss
- Shayna Baszler
- Shinsuke Nakamura
Double-Check Your Voting Poll Location Before State Primary
Due to the 2020 State Election redistricting, polling locations for the 2022 State Primary on Tuesday, Sept. 6 may have changed.
You can plan ahead and find directions to your assigned polling location and to search by your name and address, click here: “Where Do I Vote?”
Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
Free Babysitting Training and Certification for Worcester County Families
Worcester Cares for Kids is offering free babysitting training and certification for youth participants living in Worcester County.
The program runs from 3:30 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Aug. 9 to Sept. 9.
To register, click here.
FREE, innovative community project – youth participants will receive Certification in Babysitting, youth development, and partake in hands-on learning. Open to families in Worcester County. Register here: https://t.co/N3lyt1RT2c pic.twitter.com/FCUYwLviqm
— WCAC (@WCACinfo) July 28, 2022
Lead image: Assumption University entrance/Patrick Sargent for ThisWeekinWorcester.com