Narrator: Hey neighbors, we’re going to take some time to highlight the departments we have here on campus. And so first off, we have our amazing School of Nursing.
Taylor Landa: Well, hello everyone. Welcome to the nursing segment of the Hello Neighbor podcast. My name is Taylor Landa and I am the student enrollment coordinator for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences here at Avila University. I have a very special guest with me to talk all things nursing. So if you could please just go ahead and introduce yourself.
Dr. Jannine Johnson: Perfect. Thanks, Taylor. Hi, everyone. My name is Dr. Jannine Johnson. I am the Director of Nursing and Health Science. I am thrilled to be here with you today and one of my passions really is about helping future nurses grow into that compassionate, skilled nurse and that skilled professional who really wants to make a difference in healthcare. So I’m really grateful for this opportunity, Taylor, to share a little bit more about our nursing program.
Taylor: You know, I’m so so grateful that we got a chance to do this. I know it’s going to impact so many people and just inform everyone about all things nursing at Avila University. So my favorite question — what are the different programs that Avila has to offer in terms of the nursing program?
Dr. Johnson: Great question. So one of the first ones we have is our traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This program in itself is really designed for those students who want to really experience that in-person, who really thrive in that type of an environment, that face-to-face environment. We also have an online accelerated BSN program. This option is for our really highly motivated students. These students would have to have already completed a minimum of 60 credit hours of their general education as well as their prerequisite courses. We also have a completion program. This RN-to-BSN program is really for those licensed registered nurses who are really seeking out advancement in leadership roles and or graduate studies. It really is very flexible for those professionals who are working. So we got a variety of different options for students that are pursuing a degree in nursing.
Taylor: All right. What are some positive things that you’ve heard students say about the nursing program?
Dr. Johnson: So one of the things that we consistently hear from our graduates is that they really enjoy the small class sizes. You know, when we have those small class sizes, students really get more of that individualized mentorship from their peers and from their faculty. When we have the ability with the small class sizes, it also helps them make connections with each other, creating a sense of community. And in that sense of community, it really provides them not just the academic support but emotional support as well throughout their journey.
Taylor: So very good. For those that really thrive in a smaller environment and want that one-on-one with their teachers, this would be a good fit for them.
Dr. Johnson: It would be a perfect fit.
Taylor: Awesome. I love that. So the next question is, can you tell us about the Patterson Scholarship and its benefits?
Dr. Johnson: Oh, I’m so glad you asked this question. I am really excited about this opportunity. The Patterson Family Foundation, their scholarship in itself is a true game changer for our students who really are invested and committed to serving rural populations. You know, one thing about the Patterson Family Foundation is that their mission is so perfectly aligned with nursing as well as Avila University’s mission. What they really do and what they bring is they’re guaranteeing that these rural communities have access to skilled and compassionate nurses. They are truly investing in the future of nursing and healthcare in our rural communities. The other thing is it’s a perfect example of how partnerships really work together to transform lives of those living in our communities.
Taylor: So such a great benefit to the students. It makes the education affordable, gives them the opportunity to serve in the rural communities — such an amazing opportunity for students. Last question, we are located in the heart of Kansas City. We’ve got multiple different universities surrounding us. Why would Avila’s School of Nursing be the right fit for a prospective student?
Dr. Johnson: Oh, absolutely. Some of the things that we’re really, really proud of about our program is that we consistently year over year exceed the national average for the NCLEX pass rates. The other thing that we’re really proud of is that employers seek out our graduates. Our graduates are really clinically ready and they’re really able to demonstrate how to use that clinical judgment when caring for patients so that we get really great patient outcomes. You know, the other thing is that 98% of our graduates have a job within five months of graduation, whereas the majority of them actually have secured a job before they’ve ever even graduated. And one thing I am super proud of is I’m proud of our program chairs. I’m proud of our faculty. I’m proud of our staff. They are dedicated to the success of our students.
Taylor: Awesome. Awesome. So if any of what was said resonated with you, if you are one that is interested in a smaller classroom environment and needing to make your education affordable and are wanting to go into the field of nursing, make sure that you apply with Avila University and one of us will be happy to speak with you. Our School of Nursing has so much to provide. They’re compassionate and care so much about others. So if you want to learn more just head to the Avila School of Nursing webpage.