Marcia Miller, Ph.D., R.N., SMWC director of nursing, and Christine Delnat, Ph.D.(c), M.S.N., R.N., assistant professor of nursing at SMWC, in the nursing lab at Hulman Hall on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College campus.
The shortage of nurses continues to raise serious concerns in the healthcare industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor forecasts a shortage of more than 580,000 registered nurses by 2018. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is poised to address that crucial need. Enhancing its offering of distinctive health-related programs designed to equip students for careers in high demand, SMWC announces the addition of a Bachelor of Science in nursing for the fall of 2015.
The nursing program exposes students to a challenging curriculum that prepares important critical thinking and problem solving in the science of nursing. Students will learn to integrate technology, utilize data, apply evidence-based findings and creatively plan solutions for the best patient outcomes. Students will master negotiation skills needed to be members of inter-professional teams and work collaboratively to meet the needs of patients and families. With emphases on holistic health and social justice, among other core concepts, the nursing program teaches students to become advocates for their patients. The program prepares students to assume a role in professional nursing or advance to graduate education.
“With our rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty, the program positions students for successful nursing careers and enables them to provide outstanding care and service to our community in the future,” states Janet Clark, Ph.D., SMWC vice president for academic affairs.
Nursing students will benefit from a variety of simulated and real-world educational experiences. The nursing skills lab and newly renovated chemistry labs provide students with a simulated hospital learning environment. As a member of the Rural Health Innovative Collaborative (RHIC) located in Union Hospital, SMWC has access to an off-campus simulation center featuring sophisticated computer-driven high-fidelity mannequins that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice. Additionally, The Woods has partnered with local healthcare organizations to provide students with real-world application and clinical experiences.
“One of the unique aspects of the SMWC nursing program is the safe supportive learning environment,” said Marcia Miller, Ph.D., R.N., director of nursing at SMWC. “Small classes and small clinical groups provide the time and individualized attention that students need to feel confident. We also arrange learning activities that bridge with art therapy and music therapy to expand the students’ awareness of therapeutic modalities.”
The launch of the nursing program comes just 16 months after the College admitted its first class of students into the online RN to BSN program in January 2014. The addition of both programs is in response to the growing career opportunities in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing job market is expected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.
SMWC nursing program broadens its impact on the healthcare industry by preparing the next generation of caring, professional nurses. Applications are now being accepted for August 2015. To accommodate this fall’s class, there is no wait list at this time and direct admission to the nursing major for incoming freshmen or transfer students who qualify. For curriculum, outcomes and more information, visit the Department of Nursing.