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(Bluefield)—It’s an outstanding example of “town-gown” collaboration. Each year, students in the Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program at Bluefield State College devote hundreds of hours to community service initiatives. These activities add an important dimension to the students’ educational experience and preparation while simultaneously improving the health care within this region.
“Our BSN program has made a commitment to involve our students in meaningful community health-oriented endeavors,” noted Beth Pritchett, BSC Baccalaureate Nursing program director. “During the fall semester, students in our Community Nursing Practicum administered 1100 flu vaccinations in one day in collaboration with Bluefield Regional Medical Center and conducted health education classes every week at Mercer Health Right and West Virginia Manor. Our students became so attached to the residents at the Manor that they presented a Christmas party for them at the end of the semester.”
This semester, through the School Nurse Program, 12 BSC nursing students are working with school nurses throughout the region in developing and delivering health education classes to public and private school students, parents, and faculty. “School nurses identify health needs in the populations they serve and our students work to develop and deliver programs that address those needs,” Pritchett stated. Topics include conflict resolution, safety, and personal health challenges.
“The role of the nurse has changed dramatically in recent years,” observed Betty Blevins, BSC Baccalaurate program Associate Professor of Nursing. “Today, nurses must develop and use advanced skills in communication, critical thinking and assessment. Nurses fill a vitally important role in health care.”
BSC offers a comprehensive range of nursing education programs, Pritchett said. “We offer the Associate Degree Nursing program which is one of the state’s ‘flagship’ programs, the Baccalaurete Nursing program, the LPN-to-RN program, School Nurse Program, and we collaborate with Marshall University to deliver its Masters Nursing program at Bluefield State College,” she stated. “Each program is designed to accommodate the schedule and needs of working nurses.”
Through March 1, 2005, the BSC BSN program is accepting applications for admission. The application can be obtained by contacting the College’s Admissions Office (304) 327-4066 or by visiting the BSC website (www.bluefieldstate.edu) and accessing the Baccalaureate Nursing page. This application should be completed only by Registered Nurses who have an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing or a Diploma Degree in Nursing. Students in their final semester of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program may apply to the BSN program, but their enrollment is dependent upon successful passage of the RN licensure examination.
January 20, 2005
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