Reinhardt University is launching the first Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to be offered in Cherokee County.
Quality healthcare providers always are in demand, and according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 79 percent of employers are requiring or expressing strong preference for nurses with a BSN. And, according to the 2014 edition of Medical Care, an increase of only 10 percent in the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses lowers the odds of mortality by 10.9 percent.
Dr. Kina Mallard, president of Reinhardt University, said the BSN is the first step for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, with more programs planned for the future.
“Our goals for health sciences at Reinhardt include our launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in 2017-2018 with 40 students. We plan to add an additional 40 students annually,” Mallard said. “We also plan to launch an RN to BSN online degree completion program by fall 2018. We are working with health professionals in the area to plan for future programs that will meet community needs.”
Just last week, The Atlantic published an article, “The U.S. is running out of nurses” (Feb. 3), citing an aging population, an aging nursing workforce, more chronic disease and limited capacity of nursing schools as the reasons for the nursing shortage that is on the edge of becoming a crisis.
Reinhardt’s program will provide a quality program in a faith-based atmosphere to prepare nurses to serve their communities.
Open House scheduled for Feb. 21
Members of the community and those interested in the program are invited to attend a special event with Dr. Glynis Blackard, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, demonstrating simulated nursing scenarios with her staff. The events are set for Feb. 21 at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in the Hoke O’Kelley auditorium on the main floor of the Burgess Administration Building on Reinhardt University’s campus in Waleska.
“Just like the aviation industry, high fidelity simulation has become a standard for today’s school of nursing. High fidelity simulation allows the student to step into realistic patient care scenarios. These scenarios allow the student the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a safe environment where no human life is impacted by the student’s decision-making processes,” Blackard said. “The simulation includes pre-conference, post-conference and debriefing where the student has the opportunity to discuss, ask questions and reflect about the encounter is invaluable to the education of the professional nurse. Today’s high-fidelity simulators provide a wide range of physiological responses for interactions with the student. It is truly an amazing learning experience for the student.”
Part of Reinhardt University’s goal in educating the nurses of tomorrow is to prepare them for not only the physiological aspects of their careers but other aspects of the profession of providing care.
“Nurses deal with the biological parts of health but also the psychological, cultural, social and spiritual aspects that make us human,” Blackard said. “Every day, nurses have the opportunity to provide care with dignity and respect – to be an advocate for a patient who doesn’t have anyone else. That’s an amazing opportunity, responsibility and privilege.”
Classes start in January 2018; Students being enrolled now
With classes starting in Spring 2018*, Reinhardt University will educate the nurses of tomorrow with state-of-the-art equipment and faculty with a combined 60 years of experience.
BSN students will utilize the labs and classrooms of The Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Patient care clinicals will be in the metropolitan area of Atlanta.
Reinhardt University currently is enrolling new and transfer students for its BSN program. For more information, visit www.reinhardt.edu/BSN. For questions about Reinhardt University’s BSN program, contact Dr. Blackard at GDB@reinhardt.edu.
*Reinhardt University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing has received initial approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and is seeking approval through SACSCOC.
