In an effort to increase the number of registered nurses in Nebraska with bachelor’s degrees, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing will provide early, guaranteed admission in the RN to BSN program for qualified students enrolled in associate degree nursing programs at the six community colleges in the state.
The intent of the Nebraska RN-BSN Collaborative is to encourage seamless transfer opportunities for students and enhance communication between the institutions. The agreement also is one strategy towards Nebraska’s goal of attaining 80 percent of registered nurses with BSN degrees, said Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing.
The six community colleges are: Central Community College, Kearney/Grand Island; Metro Community College, Omaha; Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte; Northeast Community College, Norfolk; Southeast Community College, Lincoln; and West Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for students and will help boost the BSN pipeline in the state,” Dr. Sebastian said. “One of the most exciting things is each community college worked with our faculty to design the program in a way that will work optimally for students and strengthen opportunities for seamless progression from the associate to the baccalaureate degree.”
She said the program is streamlined and has been customized to meet the needs of registered nurses.
Students at the community colleges still will have opportunities to apply for any UNMC nursing program of their choice, Dr. Sebastian said, but the agreement provides a unique early entry option for students who meet the qualifications.
Community college students approved for early admission will have completed at least one quarter of nursing coursework and have a minimum GPA of 3.25. Students will be admitted pending completion of the ADN program and attaining their registered nursing license.
The RN to BSN program requires 20 credit hours and is delivered online. An additional 11 credits are required and are met through documentation of professional and educational accomplishments
The program is designed to bridge the gap between the credit hours students already have taken in their associate degree programs and what they need for a BSN. Flexibility of the program enables students to finish it full time in two semesters or part-time over three years.
Applications will be accepted beginning in February 2015 for the semester that begins in August 2016. Guaranteed spaces will be made available at the beginning of each academic year for a select number of students.
Lynnette Leeseberg Stamler, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for academic programs at the UNMC College of Nursing, said the RN to BSN program provides skills and knowledge in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, best practices, patient safety and quality improvement. It also provides education in population-based care.
According to a 2012 report by the Nebraska Center for Nursing, 48 percent of the 20,434 registered nurses working in Nebraska have earned a BSN. About 51 percent of nurses in the nation have a BSN degree, Dr. Stamler said.
Matthew Schneider, an intensive care unit nurse at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, earned an associate’s degree in nursing then went on to UNMC to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then a master’s degree in nursing in the family nurse practitioner program.
“My experience in the UNMC RN-to-BSN program provided guidance in my growth in leadership skills as well as professional conduct and performance,” Schneider said. “The relationships I’ve developed with peers and instructors provide continuous benefit as I pursue further education, building upon the strong base of knowledge and experience gained in the BSN program. The ability to achieve all of this in rural Nebraska via hybrid and online classes has been invaluable in my career as a professional nurse.”
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Quotes from each community college
Jett Vincent-Osman, Associate Dean of Instruction, Central Community College at Columbus, Grand Island and Kearney
“Central Community College is excited that our nursing students have the opportunity to further their education in a seamless transition from an associate’s degree in nursing to their bachelor’s degree. Many times there are obstacles making it difficult for nurses to continue in their professional growth but UNMC is opening the doors for the student to accomplish their goals.”
Stacey Ocander, Ed.D., Dean of Health and Public Services, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha
“One of the things Metropolitan Community College prides itself on is the transferability of credits and the quality of the education received. The early, guaranteed admission into the program at UNMC for qualified students exemplifies that importance of transferrable credits and the value of education received at MCC.”
Jody Tomanek, Ph.D., Area Vice-President of Academic Affairs and North Platte Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte
“With an increased need for BSN qualified nurses, this partnership shows a commitment across the state of Nebraska to provide qualified nurses to our local hospitals and clinics. The community colleges are pleased to partner with UNMC on this venture that will be beneficial to students, colleges, and employers.”
John Blaylock, Vice President of Education Services, Northeast Community College
“This agreement was developed to provide an opportunity for the very motivated Northeast nursing student to consider moving on to the BSN degree after completion of the ADN degree,” said John Blaylock, vice president of educational services at Northeast Community College. “It reserves a seat for the student once selected. This agreement with UNMC requires the nursing student to complete a two-year associate degree nursing program and obtain licensure before beginning the BSN program. The ability for a student to have a seat reserved for him/her is a direct benefit for our nursing students as these BSN programs fill up fast and could cause delays in the transfer to a bachelors program.”
April Minster, Chair, Associate Degree Nursing program, Southeast Community College
“The Associate Degree Nursing program at Southeast Community College provides quality, affordable opportunities for entry-level practice as a registered nurse. The Associate Degree Nursing program is excited to work in collaboration with UNMC to provide ADN graduates a continuous pathway to higher education and advanced practice.”
Melaney Thomas, Nursing Program Director, Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff
“We at WNCC are excited about the new RN-BSN partnership with UNMC. This partnership increases the availability of options for nurses pursuing the advancement of their careers. The opportunity for nurses to advance their education while remaining in the rural setting is a great benefit to the region.”