ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT: NURSING

Nursing offers students hands-on experience

LaGrange’s Nursing program is all about real-world preparation, according to Dr. Sarah Holden, Chair and Assistant Professor of Nursing.

“To really understand how we care for our population, our students can complete their clinical experiences at a number of different clinical sites throughout the county,” she said, “This way, they are able to experience different areas of nursing.”

Only two rotations take place outside of Troup County – pediatrics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mental Health at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus.

Students also can participate in internships and externships at hospitals throughout the state.

“One of our most noted partnerships is at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” Dr. Holden said. “We are one of seven nursing programs in the entire state to be selected to participate in the Pediatric Elective Program. It is a prestigious summer internship that allows students to gain one-on-one nursing experience with the ultimate goal of being hired as a new graduate nurse at CHOA.”

LC also offers a more intimate learning environment, she said.

“Our cohort sizes are smaller than most across the state, and this provides an opportunity for students to have more one-on-one learning experiences with faculty and clinical instructors,” she said. “This is beneficial in not only helping the student have more success within the program, but also better prepares them to be successful in their careers.”

When the department moved into the renovated West Side building in the spring of 2016, nursing faculty and students were delighted with the up-to-date technology.

“We have high-fidelity mannequins that help simulate more realistic bedside experiences for students,” Dr. Holden said. “It provides a safe environment for them to make decisions and provide care on a simulated patient before taking care of patients in a clinical setting.”

A medication administration setup with barcode scanners and rolling computers allows students to practice how to safely administer medications. They also have access to virtual patients, allowing them to practice communication and assessment skills.

Testing software designed to simulate nursing board exams helps potential nurses prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination.

“We are able to provide alternative formatted questions that are similar to the NCLEX,” Dr. Holden said. “The NCLEX is a computer-administered exam, so having this technology helps our nursing graduates become more comfortable and prepared on testing day.”

The department offers one major, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. However, it has two ways to earn the BSN – the traditional program and the online RN to BSN program.

“The online program is designed for registered nurses who have their Associate Degree in Nursing but are looking to further their education and obtain a BSN degree. It is 100% online and is a great option for those who work full time or part time.”