Eugene, Ore.—Feb. 24, 2023—It’s been twelve months since Bushnell University launched its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, and the first graduates are already licensed and employed as registered nurses.
The ability to quickly turn aspiring nurses into licensed professionals is what led Bushnell to create the accelerated pathway. This specialized program is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to start a career in nursing. The goal for any nursing licensure program is to prepare students for the rigorous National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Last year the average first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated students was 79.9%, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. With 100% of Bushnell’s first ABSN graduates passing the test, the Bushnell School of Nursing demonstrates that educating nurses in an intensive 12-month curriculum is a viable path to expand the nursing workforce.
Now the university is collaborating with PeaceHealth to build on this early success. Beginning in June, the Bushnell School of Nursing will have access to 8,700 square feet of space on the second floor of the PeaceHealth University District Hospital. Included will be 16 simulated patient rooms and classroom space for up to 32 students. The two-year lease agreement between PeaceHealth and Bushnell is the latest outcome of a long-standing partnership between the two institutions.
“We are very excited to offer this state-of-the-art program to the next generation of nurses,” shared Todd Salnas, PeaceHealth Oregon Network CEO. “PeaceHealth is honored to partner with Bushnell University to advance nursing excellence in our local community.”
“This is an incredibly exciting time for our School of Nursing as our partnership with Peace Health expands both in physical space and in the quality of education for our students,” said Dr. Reed Mueller, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bushnell University. “I want to thank Todd Salnas CEO of Peace Health, Bushnell’s President Joe Womack, Dr. Linda Veltri, and the whole host of faculty and staff at both Bushnell and PeaceHealth who are making this partnership a reality.”
The University District site will provide classroom and lab space for students to learn and practice nursing skills in a simulated hospital environment. Students also gain real-world experience at numerous clinical partner sites in the area, such as the Oregon State Hospital, McKenzie Willamette Medical Center, the county jail, the Eugene 4J School District, long-term care facilities, and PeaceHealth RiverBend Hospital.
“Before I started nursing school, I had this idea that nursing just happens at the bedside and you give people medication and maybe hold their hand if they’re having a hard time,” says Brittany Petersen, 2022 graduate. “But I didn’t realize how much education is required of nurses too. Like when you have a new mom and they’re going home with a new baby for the first time, and you get to answer their questions like, ‘What do I do when it cries?’ I always say education is probably my favorite part of nursing: teaching people something they don’t already know that’s going to benefit their health is deeply rewarding.” Brittany graduated with her peers in December of 2022 as the first cohort finished the Bushnell ABSN.
Currently the ABSN program has space for 16 students per cohort and admits 2 cohorts per year. Bushnell University also offers an online RN to BSN program in which registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing can earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing while working full-time.
About the Bushnell School of Nursing
In addition to the ABSN program, the School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN program which allows RNs to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree 100% online. All nursing courses in the RN to BSN program build upon current knowledge and prepare ethical nurse leaders and educators to be influential in evidence-based, quality improvement within a variety of healthcare and educational communities.
Nursing faculty are the heart of Bushnell’s School of Nursing. Comprised of experienced educators possessing expertise in a variety of clinical practice and other specialty areas, nursing faculty are dedicated to academic excellence, assisting students achieve their professional and personal goals, and carrying out the mission of the University and School of Nursing.
The baccalaureate nursing program at Bushnell University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
For more information about the ABSN or RN to BSN programs, please visit bushnell.edu or contact us at (541) 684-7201.
