While the pandemic’s interference in everyday life seems to shift further toward the periphery, the nationwide nursing shortage is a challenge that continues to affect the healthcare industry and all those that rely on it. Urban and rural healthcare systems shuffle to address their unique problems as a result of the shortage, but a recent study from consulting group McKinsey & Company predicts the country could still be in need of 450,000 nurses by 2025. Uniquely positioned to help address this growing issue, Loyola University New Orleans’ School of Nursing has stepped up to answer the call with the launch of its new accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) degree.
Completed in just 17 months, this full-time, hybrid program provides students a combination of synchronous online learning and in-person clinical experience at facilities around the New Orleans area. Now enrolling for the spring 2023 academic term, the ABSN degree was designed to keep the invaluable profession of nursing accessible and in-reach. The program caters to those seeking a meaningful career change as well as recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in any field of study.
With Jesuit values at the cornerstone of its curricula, Loyola University New Orleans develops its students in mind, body and spirit. The School of Nursing’s education focuses on holistic health, patient-centered care and experiential learning. This fast-tracked degree will provide students the benefit of guaranteed clinical placements with one of Loyola’s local healthcare partners and a maximum faculty to student ratio of 1:10 during clinical work. In addition to providing hands-on experience to students, the ABSN degree offers the convenience of online learning for a portion of coursework and extensive preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Loyola’s College of Nursing has long been a nationally recognized frontrunner when it comes to producing leaders and innovators in the field of health care. The new ABSN program was built upon the school’s pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing program it launched in partnership with Ochsner Health System last year. Furthering its commitment to learning by doing, Loyola University New Orleans debuts its new state-of-the-art simulation lab located in Monroe Hall this month. Nursing students can now practice crucial nursing skills that will prepare them for real experiences they’ll face in the field.
Loyola is excited to welcome its first cohort of ABSN students this spring. Eligible candidates will have already obtained their bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, have completed the necessary prerequisites before beginning the program, will commit to a full-time, accelerated course load and study schedule, and can participate in clinical work in the Greater New Orleans area. Applications for the spring 2023 semester close December 1st.
The past couple years have proven beyond doubt the life-saving role nurses play. While the pandemic’s effects on public behavior seem to dwindle, the demand for nurses only grows. Beyond entering a job market filled with boundless opportunities, graduates of Loyola’s ABSN program will begin a career of helping and healing those in need.
Original source can be found here.
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