8/1/08 Tennessean Article on Columbia State Community recent failures

Has anyone been keeping up with the comments bloggers have been making on the Tennessean website after the article was published 8/1/08 about recent failures at Columbia State Community College? As an employee at Williamson County Hospital I've always heard great things about this school, and it's students...now I'm beginning to wonder?

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....=2008808010409

Some of the comments made here are fascinating. I am beginning to really question the state of the nursing education available in Tennessee?! I tend to think what was said about it being related to poor leadership in these programs is so true!! It's sad that someone had to give-up lots of money to get a decent education to become a nurse (i.e. Aquinas, Vanderbilt or Belmont). It seems the state programs are turning out good nurses - but at what cost? and with such a degree of hassle, stress, etc. Does anyone think that it's possible Columbia State will be forced to change, or will they escape this situation with a slap on the wrist?

It's interesting this whole dialogue is in the local newspaper between students, current nurses & non-nurses....it really brings it to the wider communities attention. I sure hope that someone high up is paying attention!! Yes, for the current students involved, but also for the bigger picture that it illuminates. And it further brings to light why the nursing shortage is so critical and there are some major flaws in the current system of recruting, educating, and training new nurses. Hopefully the paper will follow-up on this piece and not just let it drop. I'm curious to hear other's opinions.