Overview: The nature of nurses’ work has changed dramatically in healthcare settings across the country. It is difficult for registered nurses to access educational programs. One strategy that has proven effective is partnering with a hospital to establish a cohort of nurses pursuing their baccalaureate and/or master’s degree in nursing.
The Baptist Partnership: The Baptist Health Systems (BHS) in Miami has partnered with Barry University School of Nursing (BUSON) to provide a Nursing Scholar In Residence Program. In this program, the hospital offers complete tuition for associate degree or diploma prepared nurses to obtain their BSN from BUSON, and additional full tuition reimbursement for prerequisite classes from Barry’s Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program. The hospital provides the classroom space for the evening and/or weekend class sessions. After completing the necessary prerequisites, the academic program is four semesters in length. Students must meet the admission requirements of BUSON and a minimum of 12 students must be accepted for the program to be offered. BUSON provides all aspects of the academic programBUSON faculty provide admission, interviews, counseling, individual student advisement, curriculum development, classroom instruction, and maintenance of academic records.
Partnership Status: There are presently 21 students in the first cohort of RN to BSN and there are more than 70 other nurses who are currently obtaining the necessary prerequisite classes to begin the Barry program. Ultimately, Baptist Health Systems will increase their cadre of BSN prepared nurses by more than 90 highly qualified professional nurses within three years.
Partnership Potential: Not only can nurses earn a baccalaureate degree at their place of employment, but they can also complete master’s programs as well. Preparing nurses and nurse educators for tomorrow can be accomplished through partnerships between hospitals and institutions of higher learning.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003