New nursing program in Richmond addresses statewide need
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
South University’s College of Nursing announces approval by the Virginia Board of Nursing to admit the university’s first nursing class in Virginia in the Fall of 2010. Anyone interested in learning more about the program’s admission requirements should contact 804-727-6800.
“Estimates from the Virginia Partnership for Nursing project that in 10 years there will be a 36 percent deficit in the number of nurses needed in Virginia by healthcare employers,” said Sharon Broscious RN, DSN program director for nursing. “South University’s nursing program addresses this growing need, which is driven by a 43 percent retirement rate for current nurses and that our population of older adults is expected to grow at twice the national average.”
In the nursing laboratory, classroom and clinical experiences, students first must master the fundamentals of nursing and complete the basic medical-surgical courses. Building upon those skills, the students complete specialty courses such as obstetrics, pediatrics and critical care.
“The campus is ready,” said Troy Ralston, president of South University in Richmond. “The faculty and staff have created a great learning environment for our students since we opened in October 2009. The nursing lab provides students the opportunity to work with the human patient simulators and participate in real-life scenarios, such as cardiac emergencies or stroke.”
The final quarter of the program prepares students for their transition to the nursing profession. Students practice leadership and management skills by choosing a clinical placement in an area of interest from one of the many healthcare facilities available in the local community. During this time, students work with a registered nurse preceptor on a one-to-one basis to prepare for entry into practice and complete comprehensive testing to assure competency and safe practice.
“In total, students spend over 500 hours in the classroom and over 1,000 hours in clinical practice,” said Dr. Broscious.
To learn more about South University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum go to http://www.southuniversity.edu/nursing-program.aspx.
About South University
Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels with campuses located in Columbia, S.C.; Montgomery, Ala.; Novi, Mich., Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Savannah, Ga.; and Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. Further information on South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu.
South University, Richmond is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia.