In this episode of Sound Track, we step into part 2 of our conversation with Kitti Cramer, Executive VP and Chief Legal Officer at Premera Blue Cross and Dr. Kara LaValley, Associate Dean of Nursing at Green River College, to explore how they are reshaping nursing education in Washington State!

In this episode, you’ll hear about how a unique LPN-to-BSN program is opening doors for working adults, first-generation college students, and aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds. You'll discover how the program’s holistic admissions process looks beyond grades to value each student’s lived experience, and how flexible, hybrid learning options and dedicated faculty advisors help students balance work, family, and school.

Learn about the real-world challenges of clinical placements and faculty shortages, and how creative solutions—like stipends for preceptors and sharing curriculum models nationwide—are making a difference. If you’re interested in how public and private partnerships can drive health equity, support local communities, and create sustainable change, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.