Headlines continue to report on the current nursing shortage in both our state and our nation.
Even if the number of prospective nurses increases, there remains a critical shortage of academically and clinically prepared nurse educators for our future nurses. Recognizing this need, Point Loma Nazarene University is set to launch an RN to MSN degree program, beginning in spring 2009.
PLNU was the first local area nursing school to offer an MSN with a nursing education focus, and with its new RN to MSN program, PLNU continues its six-year leadership in the area.
The Point Loma Nazarene University RN to MSN program will provide an opportunity for associate degree and hospital diploma-prepared nurses to obtain an MSN in less than three years. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume positions requiring graduate preparation, including the advanced practice roles of clinical or academic educators and the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Point Loma Nazarene University continues to be the only local nursing school to offer a CNS in mental health. Other CNS specialty areas available are medical-surgical, family health, and gerontology.
The program reflects the PLNU faculty’s commitment to providing rigorous MSN-level coursework that is clinically relevant to today’s challenging practice environments. In addition, the program offers BSN-level content in three transition classes that prepare students to complete the master’s-level courses that meet the accreditation standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This program will provide an important avenue for higher education and evidence-based expert patient care. Although it does not grant BSN degrees in the process, the RN to MSN does prepare students for future doctoral work.
The RN to MSN program is designed for working professionals. Classes are held on one night a week and every other Saturday morning at our Mission Valley Regional Center. Applications are currently being accepted. To learn more, contact the PLNU School of Nursing at (619) 563-2867 or visit www.pointloma.edu/nursing.
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