Teamwork and hands-on training are in full swing at the simulation lab, preparing this motivated group to be the next generation of amazing registered nurses.
By Vanessa Orr
Nurses are always in high demand, and students at South University in West Palm Beach can get out of the classroom and into a real-world nursing position more quickly than ever before. Through the College of Nursing’s accelerated BSN program, students can join the job market in 18 months, compared to the traditional two-year classroom route.
The BSN degree program is designed to improve management capabilities and skills like critical thinking, delegation, prioritization, and decision-making. BSN graduates learn to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities.
After successful completion of the nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN)® in order to obtain state professional licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse.
“In the past two years, South University students have had a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX,” said Program Director Dr. Mary McMullen. “Our students finishing senior practicums are getting job offers before they leave the floor.
“We’ve had students hired after graduation into obstetrics, surgical units, ICUs and more, and they continue to thrive,” she added. “We not only teach the skills of nursing, but also encourage the care and compassion of it. They leave here very well-rounded.”
The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Prerequisite courses are completed over six quarters, after which students apply to the professional phase of the nursing program. The professional phase is taught over seven quarters.
“The prerequisite portion can be done online, but the nursing courses are completed on campus,” said Dr. McMullen. “Every course we teach has a clinical component including Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical classes, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health, and the Transitions to Professional Practice.”
During the week, students transition out of the classroom to perform a 10-hour shift in a clinical setting at one of the local hospitals in Martin County or Palm Beach County.
“By caring for real patients, students experience hands-on what they are learning in class,” said Dr. McMullen. “For example, they can experience taking care of a patient with cardiac issues while at the same time learning about it in the classroom.”
Dr. McMullen notes that students in the School of Nursing also have access to high-fidelity simulation experiences in order to have hands-on experience prior to going out into clinicals.
Another advantage of the BSN program is that classes are led by faculty with advanced degrees (DNP, PhD) and experience, who can share this with students.
“It is incredibly important to have faculty with clinical experience in these situations in the real world teaching students,” said Dr. McMullen. “Students aren’t just reading from a book, but are hearing about real-life experiences with real patients.”
Dr. McMullen notes that the faculty is a valuable key to student success, making themselves available whenever possible. The university also provides tutoring, one-on-one coaching and counseling to help students through their educational journey.
“We develop a rapport with our students, and they know that they can come to us anytime they don’t understand something,” said Dr. McMullen. “This collaboration between our faculty and students, and our students’ drive to want to be successful definitely sets South University West Palm Beach apart.”
Earning a BSN degree can open the doors to numerous career opportunities in a range of different modalities, including informatics, critical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, operating room, outpatient doctor’s offices, education and more.
“Even more important, you are genuinely helping people; oftentimes when they are not feeling well,” said Dr. McMullen. “Nurses have the opportunity to bring light to their patients’ days and give them comfort. It’s a very rewarding career.”
Prospective students are welcome to visit the campus to learn more about the program and can even see simulations in practice. For more information, visit https://www.southuniversity.edu/degree-programs/nursing/nursing-bsn.