GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program continues to progress by earning the classification of full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Nursing student Shelton Abbott examines fellow student Tosha Gergish.
This is the highest level the program can achieve and positions it for further success as it educates and trains future generations of nurses who will enhance the quality of care delivered in medical settings across Appalachia and other parts of rural America.
“To obtain this stamp of approval from the state is a huge step and is the culmination of a collaborative spirit among our faculty and students to ensure we are aligned to produce the best results,” said Dr. Lori Anderson, the nursing school’s dean. “We will continue to examine our approach to nursing education to ensure we have the optimal structure and support programs in place to put our students on the path for successful careers.”
The BSN program had already achieved accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education when it received the positive decision from the state. Tusculum holds that accreditation for five years before it has to reapply for that distinction.
Reinforcing the school leadership’s flexibility and responsiveness, Dr. Anderson meets regularly with faculty members and students in the BSN program. She said weekly meetings with faculty members address a wide range of subjects, including curriculum, review of program progress and outcomes, student and faculty concerns, admissions, recruitment and program resources.
The nursing school administration also held a lunch meeting toward the conclusion of the fall semester to hear the perspective of students. Additionally, Dr. Anderson meets with them whenever a special need arises and the nursing school develops new courses of action.
Through these meetings, administrators have gained valuable feedback that has helped shape the way the program operates.
“The faculty’s willingness to be open to change and transformation was one of the reasons that I accepted the position of dean,” Dr. Anderson said. “In addition, I have found that the students are aspiring learners and have a desire and passion for nursing. Students have unique stories as to what led them to nursing and the program at Tusculum University, and it has been fascinating and motivating to get to know them.”
Another important success for the nursing school was the 85 percent passage rate for Tusculum’s 2018 spring BSN graduates on the first try taking the rigorous National Council Licensure Examination. Graduates who attain the needed scores on the exam earn the designation of registered nurse and are eligible for employment as a professional nurse.
Dr. Anderson and faculty members decided they would set aside two hours a week of independent study in the spring semester for seniors that will prepare students in greater depth to take the test. Another helpful move was a decision by one of the nursing school’s book companies to donate an electronic review course for students, which will increase their likelihood to attain required test results.
The BSN program and nursing school are part of the university’s College of Health Sciences.
“Through the extraordinary work of the entire nursing school team, led by Dr. Anderson, Tusculum is accelerating an exceptional program that will meet patients’ needs well into the future,” said Dr. Andrew Buzzelli, executive vice president of the College of Health Sciences. “The team is focused on providing an outstanding experience for our students and preparing them to be world-class clinicians in the diverse field of nursing.”
For more information about the university and the Bachelor of Science in nursing, please visit www.tusculum.edu.