FEATURES
Laura Robbins-Frank , PhD, RN, Founding Executive Director of Nursing, is at the helm of this exciting strategy for NLU. Laura previously served as Director of Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs at Loyola University in New Orleans, and brings over 38 years of nursing experience to NLU. “I’m delighted to support NLU’s commitment to health equity and to help expand the university’s portfolio to include nursing,” say Dr. Robbins- Frank. “I’ve spent the past 18 years dedicated to nursing education, and I look forward to advancing new generations of nurses at NLU.”
Laura Robbins-Frank, PhD, RN Founding Executive Director of Nursing
Backed by a growing body of evidence demonstrating better outcomes for patients in hospitals with a higher proportion of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, NLU is offering four distinct pathways to a BSN. Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN: This degree program is tailored for registered nurses with an associate’s degree seeking to elevate their education and competence in providing evidence- based nursing care. Upper-Level BSN Transfer : Aspiring nurses who have completed the necessary science prerequisites will be able to transfer to NLU and gain the necessary clinical skills to deliver patient-centered care across diverse patient demographics and the entire lifespan. Accelerated BSN : Individuals who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field will earn a nursing degree in five academic quarters, with more than 690 clinical hours spanning adult and child health, obstetrics, behavioral health and more. Traditional BSN : This pathway is for traditional college freshman or those who are still early in their college journey. Students will take the necessary pre-nursing courses over the first five quarters of study, and enter the nursing courses in quarter six. Students will complete 720 clinical hours in preparation for practice as a Registered Nurse. In future years, NLU will build out additional degree pathways, including a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate and School Nurse certificate, as well as graduate and doctoral nursing programs. The nursing program is housed at NLU’s downtown Chicago campus at 18 South Michigan Avenue, and will soon feature several classroom and learning spaces, including a simulation lab replete with state-of-the-art equipment for practical, hands-on experiences. The space buildout and clinical equipment are partially supported by Congressionally-Directed Spending secured by Senator Dick Durbin.
(Top) Rendering of the Interdisciplinary Lab (Bottom) Rendering of the Simulation Lab and Control Room
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