SOUTHEAST MISSOURI HOSPITAL COLLEGE OF NURSING RECEIVES APPROVAL FOR PROGRAM

Southeast Missouri Hospital's College of Nursing has received approval from the State Board of Nursing to offer a two-year associate of applied science in nursing program for individuals without prior health care education.

The program will prepare students for careers as registered nurses.

Enrollment in the new ADN program has been set at 25. Classes will begin in June and applications are being accepted.

Representing the hospital at the State Board of Nursing hearing in Jefferson City were Assistant Administrator Karen Hendrickson, Ed.D., and Nursing Director Tonya Buttry, MSN, RNC.

The College of Nursing currently offers licensed practical nurses courses of study that lead to an associate in applied science of nursing degree. LPNs may choose from a one-year, full-time course or a two-year, part-time track.

Hendrickson said the decision to seek approval for the new program option arose following a decision by Southeast Missouri State University to discontinue its Associate Degree nursing education program.

"When the university chose to put its resources into baccalaureate education as well as masters of nursing education programming, a void was left in this community for individuals wanting to be prepared as nurses at the associate degree level," Hendrickson said. "We feel we can provide this opportunity for men and women who want to be nurses."

The nearest associate degree programs are at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff and Mineral Area College in Farmington.

"Southeast Missouri Hospital and other area health care providers in this community were that the pool of qualified RNs may become increasingly limited and could present difficulties in staffing our hospitals and other sites where RNs are employed," Hendrickson said.

Since 1990, more than 140 men and women have participated in the hospital's College of Nursing LPN to RN programs.

The new ADN program, Buttry said, "not only opens a career option for high school graduates or people who have completed their GED. It's also a new career option for those already in the workplace who want the challenge and satisfaction of a career in nursing."

For those who might want to continue their education academically after completing the associate degree program, the hospital program participates in the Missouri Articulation Plan of the State Board of Nursing. This allows graduates access to the next level of education without repeating course work and clinical practice.

College board member Narvol Randol Jr., said the board is pleased with the state's decision. "It's an exciting time for the college, and it's an honor for Southeast Missouri Hospital to be able to offer this option to area students."