By Priscilla Bartolone, DNS, RN
Nursing education has exploded over the years, and rightfully so – the need is tremendous. Baccalaureate nursing degrees like Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation that prepares individuals for entry into the nursing profession. Graduates are able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. The comprehensive theoretical and clinical practice components aim to allow BSN graduates to make a smooth transition into professional nursing practice. Nursing program graduates are encouraged to continue the educational process and are prepared for the challenges of graduate study (SouthUniversity.edu, 2021).
At South University, West Palm Beach, the BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nursing student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse.
Dr. Priscilla Bartolone has been the South University BSN Program Director for the past twenty years. She has continually witnessed hundreds of nursing graduates with something “special” to offer. The following individuals are two examples of outstanding nursing graduates practicing nursing in Palm Beach County. Coincidentally, both of these nurses opted to follow the career path of their mothers.
Geena Singh, MSN, RN, graduated from the South University, West Palm Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2007 and from the Master of Science in Nursing program in 2013. Geena has worked extensively in hospitals throughout Palm Beach County and credits her education at South University with preparing her to think critically, solve problems, make appropriate clinical decisions and nursing judgements when caring for acutely and critically ill patients. Singh added that her education taught her to integrate caring, cultural sensitivity and to view patients holistically while providing patient-centered care. While working as a staff RN in various hospitals, Geena worked with South University nursing students and realized her passion for teaching. This led to her being hired as Clinical Faculty where she continues to inspire students with her compassion, competence, dedication and professionalism. Geena believes that nursing is a “work of the heart”. She added, “I pride myself on the philosophy that helping my community at the most vulnerable times is a privilege.”
Bradly Bartlett, BSN, RN, graduated from South University, West Palm Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in June 2020. Bradly started his career in healthcare as a Paramedic but realized that he wanted to do more. Immediately upon graduation, Brad started to work on a high acuity nursing unit in Palm Beach County. Sharing his perspective of nursing education, Mr. Bartlett said, “Early on in the program the basic pillars of Nursing were pounded in our heads and built upon to make us the best nurses we could possibly be. The clinical rotations that perfectly coincided with what we were learning in lecture solidified in our minds the skills necessary to care for our patients. As a new grad I consistently get compliments on a daily basis on how great my skills are. I can only attribute that to South University and the ability of their staff to not just teach us to be nurses but for us to critically think on our patient’s behalf. I am forever grateful to South University and its staff for teaching me how to be the best nurse I can be.”
For more information, visit www.southuniversity.edu.
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. South University, West Palm Beach, University Centre, 9801 Belvedere Rd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. © 2021 South University. All rights reserved.
