Mary Lushina dedicates time to provide career guidance, foster student's development in an industry that continues to face nursing shortagesRENO, Nev., Jan 19, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As Senior Vice President of Managed Care at Reno-based EMPLOYERS(R), Mary Lushina knows first-hand how valuable mentoring relationships can be for nursing school students and young professionals. That's why Lushina got involved with the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Nurse Mentoring Program so she could provide guidance and counsel to aspiring nursing student Savannah Gonsalves. The TMCC Nurse Mentoring program pairs experienced nurses who instill the philosophies and values they have developed with students who will become the next generation of nurses.

Truckee Meadows Community College, with funding from the Department of Labor, developed the Community Nurse Mentoring Program for its associate degree pre-licensure nursing students. The program highlights relationships that best benefit students and that of concerned professionals who have been there, and can assist and welcome students into the nursing profession. Lushina, a Registered Nurse, oversees company partnerships with healthcare providers, expert physician advisors, nurses and other experienced care management staff to help promote quality, cost-effective patient care.

"I've had several mentors throughout my career, but never had formal mentors in nursing school," said Lushina. "As I reflect back on it, what a great benefit it would have been to have someone to bounce ideas, questions and concerns off of. There are many career-path options for nurses and I want to provide students with helpful perspectives to enable them to better navigate the various opportunities they have."

At a time when the nation faces a shortage of nurses, the TMCC program aims to support students' progress and career paths, from their first course in the nursing program to their first year of employment. Reno-area nurses who are working professionals are recruited to support nursing students. Students benefit by having increased self-esteem, development of professional behaviors, networking opportunities and nurturing. Mentors and mentees are successfully matched based on their individual profiles that focus on professional and personal interests and style of communication.

Interview Opportunities:

Interview opportunities are available for press interested in learning more about the Truckee Meadows Community College Nurse Mentoring Program and the mentoring relationship between Mary Lushina and Savannah Gonsalves.

Wendie Rains, Registered Nurse, Community Nurse Mentoring Program Coordinator, Truckee Meadows Community College, also is available to discuss the program and the many benefits it provides nursing students.

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates throughout the United States. Insurance is offered by Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, and Employers Assurance Company, all rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Additional information can be found at: www.employers.com.

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SOURCE Employers Holdings, Inc.